Bernard Edward Flachs, 81 of Sand Lake, died Tuesday, July 26, 2011 at home surrounded by his family. Bernie was born September 29, 1929 in Remus, MI the son of the late William and Rosa (Snider) Flachs. He grew up in Remus and attended St. Michael’s Catholic School during his elementary years and graduated from Remus Public High School in 1947. On January 15, 1949 he married Leatrice Joy Hoover from Blanchard, MI at St. Michael’s Catholic Church. He worked for McInerny Spring and Wire in Grand Rapids for 40 years where he carried a dual license for millwright and boiler operator. Bernie enjoyed farming, was a trustee for Pierson Township for several years, and held a private pilot’s license and enjoyed entertaining family and friends with plane rides off the farm air strip. He was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing bass and hunting small and big game. He most enjoyed sharing this time with family. Surviving are his wife, Leatrice; children, Sandra Patin, Daniel (Kathleen) Flachs, Kristi (Carl) Haywood, Steven (Mary) Flachs, Gary (Debra) Flachs, Jane (Paul) Ringler, Kelly Slagel; 18 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; sister, Barbara Foster. He was preceded in death by sons-in-law, Robert Patin and David Slagel; brothers, Maurice, Michael, Francis, and Jack Flachs; sisters, Rita Crowley and Anna Dean; several sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated Friday 2:00 pm at Mary Queen of Apostles Catholic Church, Sand Lake. Rev. Fr. Joseph W. Kenshol, celebrant. Private family interment at St. Michael’s Cemetery, Remus. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the donor’s choice.

Arrangements by Bliss-Witters & Pike Funeral Home, Cedar Springs.