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 Bernard P. (Bernie) Schlather, 90 years old of Elyria, Ohio died on Friday, May 21, 2010 at Life Care Center of Elyria following a long illness.
Bernie built his life on a solid foundation of simple honesty, hard work, personal independence and trust in God. He embraced the world with his easy smile and quick puns, always looking for a conversation. He was extremely proud of his thirteen children and shared their lives with whomever would listen.
Bernie was born on August 4, 1919 in Olmsted Falls, Ohio and lived in Elyria since 1948. He graduated in 1936 from Olmsted Falls High School and he attended Spenserian Business College. He was a general insurance agent and established Schlather Insurance Agency in 1945, retiring in 1986.
Bernie was an active member of St. Jude Catholic Church, where he served on the Building Committee and the Finance Committee and was a member of the Holy Name Society and the St. Jude Seniors. He was named the St. Jude “Man of the Year” and Lorain County Deanery Holy Name Society “Man of the Year.” He also worked tirelessly on the Christmas Tree Sales at St. Jude.
He was the founding chairman of the Elyria Catholic Band Boosters in 1960, the advancement chairman of Boy Scouts Troop 133, past president of the Lorain County Independent Insurance Agents Association, and a past president and charter member of East Elyria Kiwanis.
Bernie is survived by his wife of 66 years, Virginia (nee Bilskey); thirteen children, Mary Rita (Sister Mary Seton, SND), of Cleveland, Robert (Karen Hammer) of Cooperstown, New York, Margaret Ann (Sister Mary Margaret Ann, SND) of Arlington, Virginia, Jeanne Marie (Lawrence) Frey of Elyria, William (Rebecca Lorensky) of Oberlin, Raymond (Kathy Aljo) of Ithaca, New York, Paul (Karen Boron) of Medina, Donald (Darlene McGill) Ithaca, New York, Roseann Brown of Rootstown, David (Brooke Adkins) of Strongsville, Kenneth (Donna Ramil) of Freeville, NY, Patrick (JoAnn Wright) Westford, Massachusetts, and Mary Agnes (Gary Hammel) of Millstadt, Illinois; 25 grandchildren, and 15 great grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Virginia Schlather of Olmsted Falls.
He was preceded in death by three sisters, Lenore Schlather, Germaine Schlather and Mildred School; one brother George; and his parents, George L. and Anna Marie (nee Paskert) Schlather.
Friends will be received at the Reichlin Roberts Funeral Home, 327 Cleveland Street, Elyria, Ohio on Thursday, May 27, 2010 from 4-8 P.M. Closing prayers will be on Friday, May 28, 2010 at 10:30AM in the funeral home followed by mass at 11:00 AM at St. Jude Catholic Church, 590 Poplar Street, Elyria, Ohio with the Reverend Father Frank P. Kosem, Pastor, officiating. Burial will be in St. Mary’s of the Falls Cemetery in Olmsted Falls, Ohio.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Schlather Bilskey Trust Scholarship Fund, PO Box 307, Cooperstown, New York 13326 or to the St. Jude Education Endowment Fund.
» 7 Condolences and Greetings
Joseph Kukucka
sent Monday, 07 June 2010 17:59
I'm sorry for your loss. It's never easy to lose someone you love - no matter how old.
My mother, Mary Kukucka, thought the world of Bernie.
Thomas Kuczkowski
sent Monday, 31 May 2010 06:54
I was sorry to hear of Bernie's passing. He was a role model for me as I grew up from a high school student to spouse and parent. I will always remember his thoughtfullness and sensitivity towards people, particularly towards my parents Charlotte and Daniel. I will never forget him.
Christine Murphy
sent Sunday, 30 May 2010 09:02
My family lived next door to the Schlather's from 1979 to 1989. Bernie will be remembered for his kindness, thoughtfullness, and genuineness. He was a true gentleman. I am sorry I did not know of his passing until today. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Schlather family.
Christine Murphy
Pat (Grospitch) Theman
sent Friday, 28 May 2010 13:51
Our thoughts and prayers are with you, Sorry I didn't see this notice, Have known Ginny and Bernie for years thru my parents, Ed & Eleanor Grospitch.
Bernie was always a very happy and generous person.
Mary (Stillwell) Haupt
sent Friday, 28 May 2010 05:06
Dear Becky and Bill,
My sincere sympathies. Hope to get in touch with you next time I'm in Ohio.
Mary
Kathleen(Kukucka)Deltufo
sent Thursday, 27 May 2010 04:57
What a wonderful example he set for so many, My prayers are with you, Kathleen
Susan and Frank Marsico
sent Thursday, 27 May 2010 04:33
While our opportunity to see Bernie has been very limited for many years, his kindness, friendliness and compassion for people will always be remembered. While Bernie will most certainly be missed by all who knew him, he will be at peace with the Lord - which is a comfort to all.
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