Obituary of Bernard E. Bookmyer

BOOKMYER, Bernard "Bernie" of Saginaw, Michigan passed away on Monday, October 15, 2012 at his home after a 23 year courageous struggle with six bouts of cancer. He was born July 23, 1927 to Joseph A. and Minnie Bookmyer on the farm in McCutchenville, Ohio. He was married to Marilyn (Geib) Bookmyer who passed away on March 7, 1999. He is survived by: his sister - Beatrice; his children and their spouses - Carole and Charles Miller, Sandra Bookmyer, Catherine and Julia Bookmyer, Jeff and Joe Bookmyer, Brian Bookmyer, Elizabeth Bookmyer, Bradley and Jacqueline Bookmyer, Margaret and Gary Martin, Michael Bookmyer, Douglas and Alison Bookmyer; grandchildren - Theresa Sproull, Stephanie and Christopher Wren, Ashley and Aaron Bookmyer, Nathan, Adam and Samuel Bookmyer, Melody and Keith Bennett, Shawnna and Joshua Wilcoxson; great-grandchildren - Ava Sproull, Luke and Josie Bennett. He was also predeceased by siblings: Arlene, Mildred, Rolland, Marcella, Jean, Joseph Jr., and Joan; son-in-law - Scott Sproull; grandchildren - Lauren Bookmyer and Darrell Wilcoxson, Jr. After serving in the Navy he entered the wholesale hardware field at the George Worthington Company in Cleveland, Ohio and moved to Saginaw to work for several national distributors including Jennison Hardware in Bay City. He retired from the John Rauschenberger Company in Milwaukee, Wisconsin - they were the last remaining natural fiber rope manufacturer in the U.S.A. He was a member of the American Legion and a 50+ year member of the Y.M.C.A. where he taught all of the children to swim and he dearly loved playing racquetball there into his late 70s. He loved dinners and parties with his family. He was also an avid reader of books and newspapers, believing that the written word is more eloquent and powerful than any other source. The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to the staff of SouthernCare Inc. for all the wonderful care they provided to Bernard. FUNERAL: Bernard's Funeral Service will take place at 11:00 a.m. on Friday, October 19, 2012 at the Deisler Funeral Home, 2233 Hemmeter Rd. (off State). Pastor Jerry Larkin will officiate. Burial will follow in St. Andrew Cemetery. VISITATION: Friends are welcome to visit with the family at the funeral home on Thursday, October 18, 2012 from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. and on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the service. MEMORIALS: Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider memorials to the Eastside Soup Kitchen of Saginaw. Please share your thoughts and memories with the family at the funeral home or through www.deislerfuneralhome.com.