Irene Bernath

Irene M. Bernath, age 81, of Bannister, MI died peacefully on Sunday, March 22, 2009 at Sparrow Health Systems, Lansing, Michigan.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Cyril's Catholic Church Bannister, Michigan on Wednesday, March 25, 2009 at 10:00 A.M., Rev. Fr. Wolfgang Streichardt will officiate. Burial will take place at Ford Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday, March 24, 2009 from 4:00 - 8:00 P.M. at Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie Chapel. Rosary will be prayed at 6:00 P.M. Tuesday at the funeral home.

Irene was born in Chicago, Illinois on November 21, 1927, the daughter of Peter and Victoria (Palatka) Minarik. She graduated from Ashley High School with the class of 1945. On July 4, 1947 Irene married Joseph S. Bernath at St. Cyril's Catholic Church in Bannister, Michigan. Joseph died December 17, 2006. Irene had work for Autolite Mfg. in Owosso and Hancock/Lear Automotive until her retirment. She resided most of her life in Bannister, Michigan, and was a member of the Jenota Lodge, and was a former Cub Scout Leader, was in a bowling league in Ovid and St. Johns, she also was a member of St. Cyril's Catholic Church, and the Altar Society.

Irene is survived by her son & daughter in law, Dave Bernath and Sherri Hillman of Bath, Michigan, grandson Noah Dobler of Traverse City, MI, sister Julia and John Zelenka of Lansing, MI; brother Louis Minarik of St. Johns, MI, and many nieces & nephews. She was predecesed by her parents, 2 sisters; Helen Vasicek & Maxine Presler and 2 brothers, Peter & Rudy Minarik.

Memorials may be made to St. Cyril's Catholic Chruch. Online condolences can be sent to www.smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com The family is being served by Smith Family Funeral Homes Elsie Chapel Elsie, Michigan.

Read Irene Bernath 's Obituary and Guestbook on smithfamilyfuneralhomes.com.