Michael Bernard

Michael Clifford Bernard, 54 of Chatfield, died October 7, 2023 at Mayo Clinic Hospital, Rochester - Methodist Campus after fighting a battle with cancer, the only situation he ever had that was out of his control.

Mike was born April 10,1969 in Rochester to Clifford and Lana (Erickson) Bernard. Mike graduated from Chatfield High School in 1987 and attended Riverland Community College in Austin. On August 19, 1995, he married Lisa Schaefer, his true partner in life. He worked at Hammel Equipment for a time. Mike, along with Lisa, owned and operated Bernard Bus Company, which was a family business, started in 1947 by his grandfather. He took great pride in this and eventually started Bernard Coach and Bernard Excavating along with other things along the way. His work ethic that he learned growing up on the family farm, really shown throughout his life. Mike was very active within the Chatfield community and devoted many hours to volunteering, and was a member of Chatfield Lutheran Church.

From a young age, Mike loved boating on the Mississippi River. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, cars, mechanics, grilling and catering. Taking people on bus trips was also a favorite as he enjoyed being the tour guide and using the microphone in the front of the bus. Anyone that has traveled with him, remembers the lug nut game.

His family was always his first priority and there wasn't anything he wouldn't do for them. He was always up for an adventure and if a situation needed to be handled, Mike would handle it. He will be missed by so many.

He is survived by his wife, Lisa; mother, Lana; children, Kaylie (Colton McGraw), Josh, and Nate (Anna Johnson); sister, Molly (Brian) Sletten; brother, Jamie (Barb); mother and father-in-law, Gerald and Cleo Shaefer; brother-in-law, David Schaefer (Teresa Best-Hanson); and many nieces, nephews, aunts, uncles and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his father, Clifford; sister-in-law, Darcy Schaefer and his grandparents.

Mike's family would like to thank everyone that has been there for them throughout his illness, the love and compassion is more appreciated than you know. They would especially like to thank Kelly Sahs and Dwaine Meeker for the extra compassion at the very end.

Memorial Service will be 11 a.m., Saturday, October 14, 2023 at Chatfield Lutheran Church with the Reverend Paul Hauschild officiating. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m., Friday and one hour prior to the service, all at church. In lieu of flowers...apply to be a bus driver.

Hoff Funeral & Cremation Service - St. Charles is assisting the family with arrangements.