Bernarr B. Berkland

Bernarr B. “Bernie” Berkland, age 83 of Osceola, passed away at Memorial Hospital in South Bend following a brief illness on March 21,2023.  Bernie was born April 3, 1939 in Spencer, Iowa to the late Irving and Elinor (Perry) Berkland He was a graduate of Adams High School and spent many years working in the RV Industry throughout the Michiana area.  On April 4, 1964, he married Terri Strantz.  Later, he met Denise Klopfenstein, and they were married on November 3, 1984.  They recently celebrated 38 years of marriage.

Denise survives, along with his son Eric Berkland of Newport Richey, Florida.  Surviving as well is the mother of his son, Terri Norton of Inglis, Florida, his siblings Bretta Stanley of Sullivan, Indiana and Bruce Berkland of Hobe Sound, Florida, as well as his two favorited fur-babies, his dogs Angel and Binky.  Surviving as well is his father-in-law, James Huston of Mishawaka, his sisters-in-law, Lori Bonnici of Schaumburg, Illinois and Jennifer (Brad) Schaeffer of Westfield, Indiana, his nephews Phil (Sarai) Stanley of Indianapolis, Indiana and Anthony Bonnici of Schaumburg, Illinois, his niece Mikaela Bonnici of Sacramento, California as well as his great niece Gwendolyn, great nephew Stefan and his great fur-nephew “Benny.”

There will be no services for Bernarr.  His family asks that you remember him in your own special way.  Cruz Family Funeral Home and Cremation Service of Osceola has been entrusted with his care.

Bernie enjoyed collecting and restoring classic cars. He loved to take his 1937 Ford Slantback Sedan to auto shows in the area. He was a quiet man who expressed himself with his love of cars and photography. His attention to details were expressed in the way he captured flowers or his favorite butterflies on film. A perfectionist, he always put forth the effort to make things just right. From building a deck or the shine on his classic cars that you could see your face back in the paint.

Bernie was also a longtime member of the St. Joe Valley Rodders Club and the Coachman Auto Club where he made many friends through the shared love of cars.  He also had a big heart for animals and he and Denise fostered numerous dogs through “Pets Connect!” of South Bend.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bernie’s memory to Pets Connect: PO Box 8104 South Bend, IN 46601-8104.

To light a virtual candle, share a story of Bernie’s life, or leave a message of comfort for his family, please follow the links provided on the tribute wall tab above.