J. Michael Bernard

John Michael Bernard passed away in a cycling accident on Sunday, February 8, 2026, at the age of 65. Mike was a beloved husband, father, grandfather, colleague, and friend, and his tragic passing is difficult for all who knew and loved him.

Mike was born June 5, 1960, in Detroit to Walter and Sally Bernard, the first of their four children. His first three weeks of life were tenuous, and when he was released from the hospital, his grandmother Helen said God surely kept him here for a purpose. That purpose can be found in the family he leaves behind and is reflected in the outpouring of support from those who knew him.

Mike grew up in Grosse Pointe and graduated from the University of Notre Dame, where he first met Betsy and they began their 40+ year journey together. He received his law degree from the University of Cincinnati. He was a recognized leader at Dykema Gossett and in the national legal community.

Mike and Betsy married in 1988 and raised three sons, Jack, Rudy, and Mikey A. They lost an infant daughter, Mary, but their hearts were so big that as a family, they hosted young children needing critical life-changing surgery as a part of the Healing the Children mission.

Mike really enjoyed coaching his sons' sports teams and sharing his athletic and outdoor pursuits with them as they grew up. All three sons graduated from Notre Dame, and he and Betsy were proud to share their love of the Fighting Irish with them.

Mike loved to read, grow vegetables in his garden, captain the pontoon boat, tell stories (sometimes more than once), and hold court with family and friends to discuss matters of consequence.

A tireless proponent of Detroit, Mike was actively involved in helping the city thrive as a board member of the Detroit Regional Chamber, where he served as general counsel since 1999. He was a 40-year member of the Detroit Athletic Club and served on many committees and on the Board of Directors, all the while winning the indoor triathlon year after year. He was a regular attendee of First Friday Mass with Monsignor Zenz, where he shared his faith and was looked up to as a model of dignity and humility.

Despite never attending a Jesuit school himself, he came to know and love the Jesuits and their mission through the experiences of his dad, brother and sons who all graduated from U of D High. Mike epitomized the Jesuit motto "Men for Others" as he consistently and purposefully applied his considerable talents for the benefit of many causes and institutions outside of the office, dedicating himself to Loyola High School, the Neighborhood Club, International Samaritan, and other organizations too numerous to list. He led by example in every aspect of his life.

In essence, Mike Bernard was among the finest human beings a person could come to know.

His dear wife, Betsy; cherished sons Jack (Kendall), Rudy (Isabelle), and Mikey A. (fiancée Genevieve); adored granddaughter Janie; beloved mother Sally, three siblings and their spouses; and extended family and friends join together to mourn his loss. May he rest in peace.

Visitation for Mike will take place on Friday, February 20th from 4-8pm; with a rosary service at 7pm at Chas. Verheyden, Inc., 16300 Mack Ave., Grosse Pointe Park, Michigan. A Memorial Mass will take place on Saturday, February 21st at St. Paul on the Lake Catholic Church, 157 Lake Shore Rd., Grosse Pointe Farms, Michigan. Mike's family will receive guests at the church starting at 9:30am until the start of the Mass at 10am.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Loyola High School in Detroit, https://www.loyolahsdetroit.org/donate-now