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Ansberg-West Funeral Directors

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Toledo, Ohio

Gary Bernard Obituary

Gary L. Bernard

Gary L. Bernard, 83, passed away January 3, 2026 at Otterbein Sunset Village. He was born October 25, 1942 to James and Anna Mae Bernard in Toledo. A graduate of DeVillbiss High School and the University of Toledo, Gary served many vital roles in running the family business, Bernard Engraving for over 40 years until his retirement. He proudly served in the Ohio National Guard and was a member of Aldersgate United Methodist Church. Gary was an avid sailor and longtime member of North Cape Yacht Club, sailing in countless Mill's Races and other events over the years. He also enjoyed ice boating and was a member of the Toledo Ice Yacht Club.

Gary is survived by his son, David (Melissa) Bernard; daughter, Susan (Damian) Zolciak; step children, Tim (Cindy) Holt, Denise, John, Tracy (Terri) Holt, Tom Redrup; former wife, Lynnette DeGolier; sisters in law, Gerri and Patty Bernard; grandchildren, Tessa, Mia, Alex, Jeff, Katherine, Adam, Alyssa; and numerous great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brothers, Jack and Ed Bernard; son-in-law, Jim John; and wife, JoAnn Bernard.

Special thanks to the staff at Otterbein Sunset Village Assisted Living.

Friends are invited to visit from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, January 7, 2026 at Ansberg-West Funeral Home, 3000 Sylvania Avenue, where services will be held Thursday, January 8, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Interment will follow in Toledo Memorial Park.

www.ansberg-west.com

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

Published by The Blade on Jan. 6, 2026.

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2 Entries

James Faller

January 12, 2026

I am so sorry to hear this. I came this notice just by chance. I cannot begin to tell you the things that Gary contributed to my life. He taught me how to sail boats, he taught me how to sail ice boats, he taught me how to play racquetball and he taught me about a lot of things in life. Gary made a huge difference in my life. He was my next-door neighbor as I grew up. I remember so many things about him. I haven´t seen you in a long time Gary, but know that you´ve been in my heart. Many blessings to you, kids and the family.

Janis Bykowski

January 6, 2026

I was so sorry to hear of Gary´s passing although thru a mutual friend Fred, I knew he had faced many medical issues over the years and is now free under Gods wing. I was one of the original racquetball players with Gary for quite a while. We weren´t the best or the worst, but we sure had a good time and good friendships. Well Gary loved sailing and wanted to take my husband and I out one night-I guess it was a race night-he said you´ll love it! I told him I wasn´t a good swimmer but of course he said no worries. Well, every time we turned I seemed to be on the waters edge side- very close and thought for sure we were going over. We laughed a lot over that and needless to say, I never went again. God Bless You Gary With deepest sympathy to the family
Janis

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Ansberg-West Funeral Directors

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