Ronald Duane Bernia

Ronald Duane Bernia of Akron, age 85, passed away on the afternoon of Wednesday, May 31, 2023 at McLaren Bay Region surrounded by his loving family. He was born April 3, 1938 in Akron, the son of the late Sylvester and Yvonne (Bell) Bernia. When Ron was ten, his father passed away and his mother went on to re-marry the late, Frank Storm. They moved to Saginaw, but Ron stayed with his grandma and grandpa Bernia at the farm. At a young age, he found his love and passion of farming. Ron started farming in high school, and continued during his time at Michigan State University and when he was in the National Guard. He was nothing short of a perfectionist when it came to farming, always making sure the fields were taken care of and not having a weed in sight. Ron became a board member of the Great Lakes Sugar Beet Grower Association, Federal Land Bank, and Greenstone Farm Credit. He was a member of the Gateway Sportsman Club, NRA, Akron Township Zoning Board, and Wisner Church. Ron always enjoyed time spent traveling with his family, fishing, hunting, shooting pistol at the club, and camping. He loved to tell stories, no matter how tall the tale and was quite the card shark when playing euchre. Above all else, he cherished time spent with family, from going to sporting activities and dance recitals, to memories made at Thomas Marina. After retirement, Ron would always make sure the farm crew was fed. He would drive his motorhome out to the fields and cook for everyone. Even if you weren't hungry, you ate! Ron's hard work and dedication will live on in the hearts of his family and the many generations he was able to mentor over the years. He will be missed dearly. Ron leaves to cherish his memory, four sons, Scott (Donna) Bernia, Jeff (Laura) Bernia, Andy (Georgie) Bernia, and Art (Stephanie) Bernia; grandchildren, Sarah (Ben) Turschak, Ashley Nickel, Heather Bernia, Matthew Bernia, Theron Bernia, Sy Bernia, and Kent Bernia; great-grandchildren, Claire Nickel and Jonah Turschak; mother of his children, Norma Bernia; special friend of over thirty years, Karen Goodchild and her family; many cousins and friends. In addition to his parents and step-father, Ron was preceded in death by a grandson-in-law, Justin Nickel. A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 5, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Wisner Christian Community Church in Akron. Rev. Oh will officiate with private inurnment held in Demorest Cemetery. The family will be present to receive visitors on Sunday, June 4, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro and then again on Monday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Those planning an expression of sympathy are asked to consider memorial contributions to the Wisner Christian Community Church Sign Fund or the Gateway Sportsman Club Youth Activities. Visitation Information Date: Sunday, June 4, 2023 Time: 2:00 pm End Time: 6:00 pm The family will be present to receive visitors on Sunday, June 4, 2023 from 2:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Ransford Collon Funeral Home in Caro and then again on Monday at the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service. Service Information Date: Monday, June 5, 2023 Time: 11:00 am A memorial service will be held on Monday, June 5, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Wisner Christian Community Church in Akron. Cemetery Information