Bernard "Bernie" C. Elsholz's Obituary
EAST CHINA, MI – Bernard “Bernie” Elsholz, 89, passed away peacefully on Thursday, November 28, 2024 at Blue Water Hospice Home in Marysville, Michigan following a brief illness. Remarkably, Bernie lived his entire life without ever having a surgery or being hospitalized. Born on April 3, 1935 in Casco, MI, Bernie was the son of Bernard Elsholz Sr. (1884-1976) and Hilda (LaBuhn) Elsholz (1894-1980), the youngest of their 11 children.
Bernie graduated from Marine City High School in 1953 and recently attended his 70th class reunion. On May 3, 1958, he married his sweetheart Jeanne (Schneider) at Holy Cross Catholic Church in Marine City. They shared 53 years of marriage until Jeanne’s passing in 2011.
After high school, Bernie began his career with the Chris-Craft Company in Algonac, MI where he honed his carpentry skills, earning a reputation for his exceptional craftsmanship, commitment to quality and finding new ways to do jobs in less time and more efficiently. Impressing management, he quickly rose to the position of foreman of the wooden boat-building crew. Later, he joined Hubbarth & Schott Company in Mount Clemens, MI as a master carpenter & millwright. He remained a dedicated member of the Carpenter and Millwrights Union Local 1045 for over 70 years.
His life was filled with simple joys and meaningful connections. He enjoyed fishing, playing Euchre, his ongoing wood projects and camping. Also known for his musical talents, Bernie delighted family, friends and fellow campers by playing guitar and harmonica, often simultaneously. Though self-taught, he could play complex pieces by ear, becoming a highlight of every gathering.
Traveling thousands of miles over the years, Bernie explored 49 out of 50 states (with the exception of Hawaii), and several provinces in Canada, mostly via camping trips with Jeanne and daughter, Kay, in addition to an Alaskan cruise in the mid 90s. Whether on the road or at home, he found joy in observing nature, feeding peanuts to the chipmunks, and watching birds. He was also a fan of old Western movies and TV series and took pride in making his signature chili.
A lifelong resident of the Marine City area, Bernie is survived by his daughter Kay (William J.) Smith, Sisters-in-law Sandra Gramer and Debra Langell as well as scores of beloved nieces & nephews. He is preceded in death by his parents and 10 siblings: Evelyn (Howard) Jacobi, Harvey Elsholz, Helen (George) Riopelle, Russel (Betty Morrison) Elsholz, Kenneth (Louise Krueger/Wayburn) Elsholz, Warren (MaryLou Levy/Loretta Fike) Elsholz, Mildred (Anthony Rinkus/Richard Jaycox), Dorothy (William) Steward, Ruth (Elmer) Partyka and Elda (John) Kierszykowski and In-laws: James & Ruth (Falk/Britz) Schneider, James Gramer, and Audrey Schneider.
Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, December 14 from 1:00 to 5:00 p.m. at Young Funeral Home, China Twp. A private burial will take place at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Michigan Audubon Society:(https://www/michiganaudubon.org). To leave the family a message of comfort please visit:www.youngcolonial.com
What’s your fondest memory of Bernard "Bernie"?
What’s a lesson you learned from Bernard "Bernie"?
Share a story where Bernard "Bernie"'s kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Bernard "Bernie" you’ll never forget.
How did Bernard "Bernie" make you smile?