Michael Alan Bernard

Michael Alan Bernard
Michael Alan Bernard, a 52-year resident of New Lenox, passed away at home on Tuesday, September 1, 2020, at the age of 72. Michael was born in Minneapolis, MN, to Patricia L. (nee Bennett) and the late George A. Bernard. Beloved husband of Betty (nee Malloy). Loving father of Laurie (Steve) Johnson, Amy Foley, Gregory (Susan) Bernard, Katherine (Jonathan) Denny, Maggie (Erik) Hajkowicz, Daniel (Jennifer) Bernard, and Bobby (Kate Cassidy) Bernard. Cherished Papa of Elizabeth, Rebecca, Abigail, and Madison Johnson; Ryan and Jake Masters; Lilly Foley; Aidan and Laney Bernard; Luke, Alexis, and William Denny; Burke, Shay, and Jack Hajkowicz; Emma and Samantha Bernard; and Holly and Taylor. Proud great-grandfather of Carson and Mia Wellner, Sophia Strahan, and Ryder Johnson. Dear brother of Kevin (Sheila) Bernard, Cheryl (Ed) Lagesse, James Bernard, and Kris (Terry) Hemp. Loving brother-in-law of Kathy (Terry) Bucciarelli, Dennis (Joyce) Malloy, Susan (Dennis) Surges, Pat (Bill)Klotz. Beloved uncle of numerous nieces and nephews. Also survived by his loving and loyal companion Bailey.
He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1966-1970. Michael was employed by ComEd for 30 years before retiring in 2000. After retirement, he worked for the New Lenox Public Library for 10 years.
Many will remember Michael as Coach Mike, on and off of the New Lenox Mustangs football field. He treasured his time working with the Mustangs, often saying how much he enjoyed running into former players in the community because it brought back such fond memories. He was inducted into the Mustang Hall of Fame in 2017.
If you did not see him on the football field, you would find Mike in the open waters with his “Fishing Fools.” The great friends, memories, laughs and stories will live on forever.
Michael was a great Papa. He was always there to encourage his children and grandchildren during their activities and took great pride in all of their achievements.
Through all his passions, Mike’s love for his wife of 52 years always came first. Betty and Mike had a love that drew the admiration and envy of all who witnessed it. The power of that love lives on — now and forever.
Michael Bernard/Coach Mike/Papa will be loved and missed by many.
The family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel, New Lenox on Monday, September 7, 2020 for a Memorial Visitation. From 3:00pm – 8:00pm. Private inurnment with full military honors at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery, Elwood, IL. Masks and social distancing are MANDATORY for ALL in attendance.