Bernard Ockert

Bernard James “Bernie” Ockert age 88, of Allegan, MI formerly of St. Louis, MI and Canadian Lakes, MI, passed away Thursday, July 26, 2018 at his home surrounded by his family.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at Nativity of the Lord Parish, Mt. St. Joseph Catholic Church, St. Louis, MI, on Tuesday, July 31, 2018 at 11:00 A.M., with Rev. Fr. Nate Harburg officiating.  Burial will take place at a later date at  Riverside Cemetery, Alma, MI. Visitation will be held on Monday, July 30, 2018, from 2-8 P.M. with family present from 2-4 & 6-8 P.M. with a 7:00 p.m. Vigil Service at Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI.

Bernie was born in Remus, MI on December 12, 1929 at home to Albert and Clara (Bieschke) Ockert.  Bernie graduated from high school in Mecosta, MI in 1948.

Bernie served in the Korean War from August 31, 1951 to August 30, 1955 as a Boom operator for the 306th Air Refueling Division at MacDill Air Force Base.  He worked at Consumers' Energy from February 1956 until he retired on January 1, 1995.

Bernie married Maurine (Deering) Nelson on January 22, 1983 at the First Baptist Church of Alma.  They enjoyed 35 years together.  Bernie loved to fish, garden and yardwork.  Bernie and Maurine enjoyed taking many trips together.  After retirement they lived in Canadian Lakes for 10 years prior to settling in Allegan, MI.  Bernie was a member of Nativity of the Lord Parish, Mt. St. Joseph Catholic Church., St. Louis, MI and Blessed Sacrament Catholic Church in Allegan, MI.

Bernie is survived by his wife Maurine, son Carl Ockert, stepson Steve (Anne) Nelson and his daughter Meghan (Joshua) Elsea and their three children, stepdaughter Kathleen Stroven.  He is also survived by Patricia (Dennis) Rozen, his stepdaughter from a previous marriage, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.  Bernie is preceded in death by his parents, first wife Othelia Ericksen Ockert, stepson Dudley Miller, son-in-law Jeff Stroven, brother Leander Ockert, niece Betty Ockert, and brothers-in-law: James Hunt and Maurice (Margie) Deering.

Memorials may be made to the American Cancer Society or Mt. St. Joseph Catholic Church.  Condolences can be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, St. Louis, MI.