Mary J. Bernhardt, 96, of Whitehall, passed away Thursday, July 31, 2025. She was born January 19, 1929, in Muskegon, the daughter of Gustav and Pauline (Miel) Johnson.

Mary graduated from Whitehall High School in 1948.  She was employed by Misco/Howmet for 35 years.

Mary enjoyed gardening, spending time traveling yearly to Daytona Beach, frequently to the UP, Chicago, and following Michigan Football after Ken took her to U of M stadium on their second date. She especially enjoyed her trips to Hawaii and to the Montreal Expo '67. She followed her children, grandchildren and great grand-children to sporting events, plays, musicals, band performances, and anything they were involved in.  She was fully engaged with her family, and greatly enjoyed family reunions and get togethers.

Mary is dearly missed and survived by: daughter, JoAnne (Roger) Silk; son, Richard (Stephanie) Bernhardt; four grandchildren, Shelly (Nick) Berry, Jeffery Silk, Jeremy (Karrie) Bernhardt, Renae (Brian) Pike; ten great-grandchildren, Hannah, Corbin, Payton, Rylan, Addyson, Shelbie, Seth, Trevin, Kamrin, and Jaxson; two brothers; Paul (Patsy) Carson, and Charles (Vida) Carson. She is also survived and loved by many nieces, nephews, and God-children

Mary was preceded in death by: her loving husband of 68 years, Kenneth Bernhardt; parents, Gustav and Pauline Johnson; step father, Fred Carson, grandson, Nate (Jessica) Bernhardt, three brothers, Melvin (Joann) Johnson, Leo (Marie) Johnson, Harvey (Jane) Carson, step brother Patrick (Grace) Carson;  three sisters; Donna (Gus) Hein, Ruth (Ferd) McClellan, Bessie (Merle) Bernhardt. .

Mary was a member of Lebanon Lutheran for 75 years and former Memorial Fund secretary. Memorial contributions can be made to White Lake Area Food Pantry via checks made to "Lebanon Lutheran", Memo line: White Lake Food Pantry-M.B., 1101 S. Mears Ave, Whitehall, MI 49461.

Funeral services will be conducted at 11:00 AM, Friday, August 8, 2025, at Lebanon Lutheran Church, 1101 S. Mears Ave.  Whitehall, MI 49461, with Pastor Doug Ogden presiding. Visitation will start at 10:00 AM, at the church, with a luncheon following the service. A graveside service will take place at 2:00 PM, in Oakhurst Cemetery, in Whitehall.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, White Lake Chapel, is in charge of arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com