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Charles V. Bernard

02/10/1941 - 12/20/2025

Charles V. Bernard obituary, 02/10/1941-12/20/2025, Lowell, MI

BORN

02/10/1941

DIED

12/20/2025

FUNERAL HOME

Roth-Gerst Chapel - Lowell

305 N. Hudson

Lowell, Michigan

Charles Bernard Obituary

Charles V. Bernard, age 84 of Lowell, passed away Saturday, December 20, 2025.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Geraldine Bernard; daughter, Collyn Marie Bernard; brother, George Bernard; and sister, Arlene Bernard.
Charlie is survived by his wife, Sandra Bernard; children, Matthew (Wendy) Bernard and Kirstin Bernard Drennan; stepchildren, Nate, Thomas, and Sharon Neering; grandchildren, Chloe and Kendra Bernard, Collin and Jillian Bernard, Haley Bernard, Matthew Bernard Jr., Jade, Lydia, Noah, and Ellie Neering; great-grandchild, Lilah Bernard; niece, Nancy Bernard; and his beloved family cat, Henry.
Charlie proudly served in the United States Army and later owned and operated Bernard's Ace Hardware in Lowell, Michigan. He enjoyed working out and was a devout Catholic, living his life faithfully.
Visitation will be held 2:00–4:00 PM and 6:00–8:00 PM Sunday, December 28, 2025, at Roth-Gerst Funeral Home, 305 N. Hudson, Lowell, MI 49331.
The Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated 11:00 AM Monday, December 29, 2025, at St. Mary Catholic Church, 402 Amity St. SE, Lowell, MI 49331, with Fr. Michael Goodwin and Fr. Peter Damian concelebrating.
Memorial contributions may be made to Trinitarians of Mary, Inc., 6702 Del Cerro Blvd., San Diego, CA 92120.


To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Grand Rapids Press on Dec. 23, 2025.

Memories and Condolences
for Charles Bernard

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Michael Pelz

February 19, 2026

I meet Charlie at the White Rabbit in Grand Rapids in, I believe in, 1977 . When he built his store in the 80´s, it was good to see him in Lowell . His presence was always a friendly one. I hope his family is doing well

Sherrie Devries

January 17, 2026

Such a great fun guy

Sherrie DeVries

January 17, 2026

So many fond memories with all of our skating friends

Loretta

January 2, 2026

I´m so sorry for your loss. Charlie was always so kind and friendly to me. I will miss seeing him at the store.

Tim Nowak

December 30, 2025

Matt, I am sorry to hear of Charlies passing. You two were more than just bosses to me. You were mentors, role models, and friends. I´ll always be grateful for your guidance and support. My heart will be with you during this time.

Patty Korte

December 29, 2025

God bless you and your family during this time. Patty and Paul Korte.

Mary Lerchen

December 29, 2025

Charlie was a gem. He brightened the room just by being in it, and always made me laugh. It was a great pleasure and honor to know him. Much love and condolences to all of his loved ones - especially Sandra. I'm sorry I was out of town for the visitation.

Karen and Kevin Foley

December 28, 2025

Charlie was one of the first people to welcome us to Lowell when we moved here 13 years ago. He took interest in our family and shared his pride of Lowell. He always greeted me when I visited the store. Thanks Charlie. Peace now.

Jerry Forrd

December 28, 2025

What's in a name
Charles
Charlie.
One is stuffy. Stand offer
Other is one of the good guys
Charlie was one of the very good guys.
R.i.p
Jerry Ford

Dean & Deborah Lonick

December 27, 2025

Charlie graciously welcomed us to Lowell 36 years ago which started a long friendship. His wit, smile and kind words will be dearly missed. We offer our deepest sympathy, condolences and prayers to his family. Rest in peace, friend.

Tom Kilmer

December 27, 2025

Charlie was a great friend and a very good businessman. We often shared our business successes and mistakes so we could learn from each other. I will miss Charlie and his wit and wisdom. Rest in peace my friend

V. Scott

December 25, 2025

Thank you for your service Sir

Frank Leasure- Tuckertown Forge

December 25, 2025

We had a running joke that I would ask him if it was his first day on the job every time I saw him in the store. He would laugh and give some smart crack remark. Going to miss that a lot ..

Bob Danielson

December 24, 2025

Matt. Sorry to hear about you loss of your Dad. met him at Garys Country Meats..he was a great guy..loved talking with him.. He will be missed by alot of people

Pamela Jones

December 24, 2025

We always enjoyed chatting with Charlie when we would make a run to the store or seeing him at the Y. He will be so missed in our community.

Don

December 24, 2025

We will miss you Charlie!
Don & Joan V. O.

Valerie Johnston

December 24, 2025

Bernie was such a scream!! Always loved running into him at Ace!!

John McCormack

December 23, 2025

There for me at key times in my life
John McCormack

Robert Kinsley

December 23, 2025

We are so incredibly sorry for your loss. Charlie was a great guy and great boss. He will be missed.

Showing 1 - 19 of 19 results

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Memorial Events
for Charles Bernard

Dec

28

Visitation

2:00 p.m. - 4:00 p.m.

Roth-Gerst Funeral Home

305 N. Hudson, Lowell, MI 49331

Dec

28

Visitation

6:00 p.m. - 8:00 p.m.

Roth-Gerst Funeral Home

305 N. Hudson, Lowell, MI 49331

Dec

29

Mass of Christian Burial

11:00 a.m.

St. Mary Catholic Church

402 Amity St. SE, Lowell, MI 49331

Funeral services provided by:

Roth-Gerst Chapel - Lowell

305 N. Hudson, Lowell, MI 49331

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