Bernard Peterson

Bernard “Bernie” Peterson, 76, of Benton Harbor, MI passed away February 15, 2013 at Golden Age Manor in Stevensville, MI with his wife at his side. A Celebration of Life Service will be held 10:00 A.M. Tuesday, February 19, 2013 at Starks & Menchinger Chapel, 2650 Niles Rd., St. Joseph with Pastor Michael Roth officiating. Burial will follow at North Shore Memory Gardens in Coloma. Friends may visit from 5:00 P.M. until 7:00 P.M. Monday, February 18, 2013 at the funeral home. Memorials may be made to the Berrien County Youth Fair Dog Department or Merlin and Carolyn Hanson Hospice Center. Those wishing to share a memory of Bernard online may do so at www.starks-menchinger.com. Bernard was born August 16, 1936 in Benton Harbor, MI to Bernard & Ruth (Marceau) Peterson. He graduated from Benton Harbor High School in 1954. Bernard served his country in the United States Navy from 1954 until 1957. On August 11, 1979 he married Connie Goldner in St. Joseph. Bernard was the owner of Daybreak Cafe in Berrien Springs, MI for 17 years. He also worked for Auto Specialties in St. Joseph for many years. Bernard was past president of the Coloma Jaycees, past President and life time member of the Berrien County Kennel Club, and Past Treasurer of the PBGVCA. Bernard was also on the Berrien County Youth Fair Dog Department Committee, the Berrien County Fair Association and the Paw Paw Lake Sewer Board. In his spare time he enjoyed skiing, sailing, camping, traveling and showing dogs. Bernard is survived by his wife Connie Peterson of Benton Harbor; daughter Michelle Peterson in Benton Harbor; granddaughter Amber Shaw of St. Joseph; sister Leann (John) Edmunds of Phoenix, AZ; and brother Dr. Robert Peterson of McHenry, IL. Bernard was preceded in death by his parents and a son.