Stephen Bernard

Stephen Dennis "Steve" Bernard, 78, of Bannister, MI, passed away Tuesday, October 1, 2019, at his home.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 915 E. Oliver St., Owosso, MI, on Saturday, October 5, 2019 at 11:00 A.M., with Rev. Fr. Dieudonne' Ntakarutimana officiating. Visitation will be held on Friday, October 4, 2019 from 5-8 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, 232 East Oak Street, Ovid, MI. with a Rosary Service at 7:30 P.M.

Steve was born in Marquette, MI on September 21, 1941, the son of Samuel and Jeannette (Tousignant) Bernard. He graduated from Bishop Baraga High School, Marquette, MI with the class of 1959. Steve proudly served his country with the United States Navy.

On October 15, 1965, Steve married Martha Kay Bandelean at St. Louis Catholic Church, Mt. Clemens, MI. In 2 weeks, Steve and Martha would have celebrated their 54th anniversary.

After serving in the Navy, Steve was a State Police Officer in Warren, Ionia and L'Anse, MI. Later, Steve was a bus inspector for the State of Michigan until his retirement in 2008.

Steve loved his family dearly, especially his grandchildren who called him "Papa". He was an outdoorsman and loved going to "The Camp".

Steve is survived by his wife Martha Bernard of Bannister, MI, and daughter Elizabeth (Charles) Colligan of Herndon, VA.  He is also survived by 4 grandchildren: Charles, John, Joseph, and Clare Colligan; and siblings: Robert Bernard, Christine (Ray) Evert, and Edward (Risa) Bernard.  Steve is preceded in death by his parents, infant son John Stephen Bernard, infant granddaughter Angela Colligan, and sister Ellen Sisk.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Joseph/St. Paul Catholic Church 715 E. Oliver St. Owosso, MI 48867 or to the charity of your choice. Online condolences can be made at www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com  The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes - Houghton Chapel, Ovid, MI.