Donald Munro Bernd, of Auburn Hills, Michigan and long a resident of Mitla, Oaxaca, Mexico, passed away July 13, 2024, in Troy, Michigan, peacefully, with members of his loving family present. Donald spent fifty years as a missionary and teacher with the Wycliffe Bible Translators in Mexico, including starting the Oaxaca Christian School there, that is still serving scores of students today. He was a graduate of Wayne State University, with a Master's degree and PhD work at Michigan State University. He served his country in the US Army.
He was preceded in death by his first wife, Wilma (Beattie) and one son, Andy; he is survived by their children: Cyndy Marquez, Steven Bernd, Ruth Groenhout, Dawn Steffes, Laura Campbell, and many grandchildren and great grandchildren. He is also survived by his loving wife, Mary Elizabeth Bernd (Mathie) and her children: Neil Wallace, Susan Paauwe, Janet Matherly, and Charles Wallace as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Don loved life, people, learning, music, cars, puzzles, food, fixing anything, laughing, and was devoted to Jesus Christ, his savior. His joy for living was infectious. He leaves a hole in the fabric of the lives of so many he touched.
Visitation with the family present will be on 3pm to 7pm on Thursday, July 18, 2024, at Pixley Funeral Home, 3530 Auburn Road, Auburn Hills. Funeral services will be at 11am Saturday, July 20, 2024, at North Hills Christian Reformed Church, 3150 North Adams Road, Troy, Michigan, Pastor Randall Engle will officiate. Burial will be at Grand Lawn Cemetery, following a luncheon at the church.
Contributions in Donald's memory may be made to Oaxaca Christian School, payable to the School and mailed to:
Oaxaca Christian School
C/O Lorri Scholten
236 Carrington Place
Holland, MI 49423
