Obituary of Bernard Gerald Charles Regnier

Bernard Gerald Charles Regnier was born in Detroit, Michigan on November 27, 1942.  He was the youngest of eight children born to the union of Charles and Louise Regnier.  When Bernie was just five years old, his father a Firefighter for the City of Detroit died in the line of duty. 

Losing his father at such a young age, certainly helped to shape Bernie into the man he became.  The family drew strength from their Catholic faith, and his mother saw to it that he was educated at St. Scholastica Grade School and then attended Benedictine High School both in Detroit, graduating with the Class of 1962.

Shortly after graduation, Bernie took employment with Detroit Diesel.  A dedicated and loyal worker, he earned the respect of many people at the plant.  For many years he worked as a Material Handling Supervisor.  After thirty-six years of service and at the young age of 56, he retired.   

Bernie married the love of his life, Mary Jo O’Connell, on May 29, 1965, at St. Scholastica.  The couple was blessed with four children.  Bernie was an amazing husband and an excellent father and provider for his family.  He was skilled in many ways and in 1977, he completed construction on a home in Ida Township, and the family moved from the city to start a new life.  Bernie was particularly proud of the home he built for his family, even adding an apartment for his mother-in-law during construction who had M.S.  She made her home with them for the next twenty-three years until her passing.

Most recently, the family received their spiritual nourishment at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church in Temperance.  Bernie was very active in church ministry being a member of Knights of Columbus Council #8902, serving as an usher, Eucharistic Minister, and helping with the funeral dinners. 

Retiring at such an early age did not sit well with Bernie’s hardworking spirit.  He stayed busy taking roles at several small machine shops, worked security for Consumers, and for Denny’s Tree Service.  In 2013, however, he found his calling, when Bernie joined Merkle Funeral Service as a Family Services Assistant.  He became a blessing to his fellow team members and was a kind and familiar face to many grieving families.  Bernie often lamented that he wished he had found funeral service when he first retired.

He enjoyed shooting pool, woodworking, and bowled for many years in league and tournaments at Monroe Sports Center and Nortel Lanes. An avid outdoorsman, Bernie enjoyed golfing, archery, hunting, fishing, and caring for his little piece of paradise in the country.  Always the doting father and grandfather, nothing brought him more satisfaction in life than family.

Bernard Gerald Charles Regnier “Bernie”, age 81 of Petersburg passed away at 12:10am on Wednesday; October 16, 2024, at his home.  He was surrounded by his beloved family and under the care of Hospice of Lenawee.  His passing was preceded by his parents and five siblings: Raymond Regnier, Madelyn Minando, Robert Regnier, Rita Doyle, and Frances Sullivan.

To cherish his memory he leaves his beloved wife of fifty-nine years: Mary Jo; four children: Tracy Theobald (Steve) of Petersburg, Todd (Dana) Regnier of Petersburg, Laura (Jason) Addington of Sylvania, and Brian (Crystal) Regnier of Erie; a sister: Anne Bremiller; a brother: Richard "Dave" (Gail) Regnier; eleven grandchildren: Andrew (Brittani) Theobald, Melyssa Theobald, Karmi Koehl, and Dylon (Abagail) Theobald, Sarah Regnier and Tyler (Amber) Regnier, Audrey Addington and James Addington, Christopher Regnier, Briana Regnier, Brody Regnier, and Carly Regnier; seven great grandchildren: Brooklyn, Katelyn, Evan, Caleb, Madison, Damon, and Benjamin; with one on the way.

Friends may gather from 2:00pm until 6:00pm on Sunday; October 20, 2024, at Merkle Funeral Service; South Monroe; 14567 South Dixie Highway, Monroe, Michigan 48161 (734) 241-7070 where a Rosary service will take place at 5:00pm followed by a Time of Sharing for all of those in attendance.  He will lie in state on Monday; October 21, 2024, from 10:00am until 11:00am at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church; 8330 Lewis Avenue, Temperance, Michigan 48182.  The Mass of the Resurrection will take place at 11:00am.  Cremation will follow through Covenant Cremation of Erie, Michigan, a division of Merkle Enterprises, Inc.  Private inurnment will be at the church cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to Hospice of Lenawee or the Knights of Columbus Council #8902. Online guests may leave words of inspiration and comfort or share a photo by visiting www.merklefs.com.