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David S. Bernards

David Bernards

CRYSTAL FALLS — David S. Bernards, 80, of Crystal Falls, passed away on Thursday, April 19, 2018 at the Oscar G. Johnson VA Medical Center in Iron Mountain.

He was born on Sept. 20, 1937 in Chicago, son of the late Leo S. and Fanny (Grad) Bernards. He graduated from Senn High School in Chicago. After graduating he enlisted in the United States Army Finance Corps. serving most of his time in Vicenza, Italy. He was honorably discharged in 1963.

David worked as a lighting salesman for Delta Sales in Chicago for several years. He then met and married Kathryn Alexa on April 16, 1977, and together they just celebrated 41 wonderful years together. He left his salesman job to drive a Yellow Cab in Chicago for 30 years, before retiring in 2002. He loved meeting and talking to new people. He knew the city like the back of his hand, and at one time or another chauffeured most of Chicago’s TV, radio and political celebrities. But he also counted other celebrities among his customers including Steve Martin and Muhammad Ali.

Kathy and David moved to Crystal Falls in 2013. He was an avid stamp collector and loved to read all manner of news in magazines and on his phone. He enjoyed fishing, watching movies, listening to music of all kinds, especially jazz and classical music. He looked forward to trying new restaurants whenever possible. He was always ready with a comment that would make you smile.

David is survived by his loving wife, Kathryn Bernards of Crystal Falls; nephews, Michael Alexa, Dan Polonsky and Jonny Polonsky; nieces, Michelene Alexa and Danielle Alexa; a great nephew, Frankie Polonsky; a great niece, Talullah Polonsky; brother in-law and sister in-law, Mickey and Pat Alexa; very special cousins, Dean, Jill, Derek, Zach, and Megan Aberly

He was preceded in death by a sister, Naomi (Tom) Polonsky.

The visitation will be on Monday, April 23, 2018, from 2 to 4 p.m. at the Nash Funeral Home in Crystal Falls. The Eastside Veterans Council will conduct a Pass in Review at 3:45 p.m. at the funeral home. The funeral service will follow at 4 p.m. at the funeral home. Burial will be in the Evergreen Memorial Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the USO in his name at: United Service Organization, PO Box 1831, Merrifield, Virginia 22116, www.uso.org.

Condolences to the family of David S. Bernards may be expressed online at www.nashfuneralhome.net.

The family has entrusted the Nash Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Crystal Falls with the arrangements.