Frank Bernath

Frank J. Bernath, age 95, of St. Johns, MI, passed away Friday, November 12, 2021, at his home. He was the last surviving sibling of Andro and Katerina Bernath.
Frank resided in Elsie and the Clinton county area for over 90 years and the last few years in St. Johns.
Frank was proud to serve in the United States Marine Corp he enlisted on December 13, 1943. Frank was a World War II veteran serving in the Pacific Front.  Upon completion of his tour of duty Frank returned home and finished his senior year of high school; and was one of the founding members of Elsie American Legion, of which he was a member for 76 years.
Frank married the love of his life Mary Lucinda Cornell on January 17, 1948. Mary passed away in 2017. They raised 6 kids, Jerry (Helen) of Portland, Sherry Allan of Speedway, IN, Terry (Phyllis) of Lansing, Larry (Paula) of St. Johns, Garry (Sid) of Elsie and Barry (Martha) of St. Johns. He has 13 grandchildren, 15 great grandchildren, and 11 great great grandchildren.
In his free time he spent time at his cottage at Houghton Lake with his wife, fishing and enjoyed the outdoors with his family. Frank enjoyed visiting the casino and garage sales with his wife.
Frank worked for General Motors, Consumers Powers and found success with State Farm Insurance as an agent for 34 years until retiring on December 31, 1999.
He served his community at St. Cyril Catholic Church where he served as commentator on parish counsel; he was an Elsie Village Council member and part of the Elsie Improvement Association.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Cyril's Catholic Church, Bannister, MI, at 10:00 A.M. on Thursday, November 18, 2021, with Father Bill Gruden presiding. Burial will take place at Mt. Rest Cemetery, St. Johns, MI.  Visitation will be held on Wednesday, November 17, 2021 from 3:00-8:00 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie, MI. A Rosary Service will be held 7:00 P.M. Wednesday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Cyril's Catholic Church Bannister, MI 48806 or American Legion Post # 502, Elsie, MI 48831. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com. The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes, Elsie, MI.