Bernard “Bernie” Louis Marchetti was born December 31, 1933, in the Village of Franklin, Minnesota to Louis and Esther (Leikas) Marchetti. He passed away July 25, 2021, with family at his side. He married Mary Alice (Buchanan) on November 29, 1969, recently celebrating 51 years together. They were blessed with two children who survive him: Jeffrey, Jennifer (James) Gordon and two grandchildren Abigail and Quinn Gordon.
Bernie was preceded in death by his parents and two infant sisters. He is also survived by his brother Dan and sister Kay.
Bernie graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1951 and attended the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. He graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 1954 with a B.A. in zoology. He served in the Army from 1956 to 1958 and continued in the Army Reserve until 1962. Starting in 1959, he taught high school science and was an assistant football coach until 1966. That same year, he accepted a job with the USDA at Michigan State University, where he earned his Master of Science. He retired from the USDA in 2000.
After retiring, he enjoyed traveling to Italy, France and Spain with Mary. However, his favorite place was the family cabin in northern Minnesota. Each summer he returned to the cabin and delighted in the fact his children and grandchildren could enjoy it.
He was a man of faith who found comfort in the teachings of the Catholic Church. His love of the outdoors, cooking and college football (Minnesota or MSU) will always be remembered by those close to him. His legacy will live on in the lessons he instilled in his children and grandchildren. He was a quiet and kind man that loved his family above all else.
On Tuesday, August 3, viewing will begin at 10:00 am at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Williamston followed by a mass of the resurrection at 11:00am. Interment will be at the Mt. Calvary Cemetery with a luncheon following at St. Mary’s.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans or St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital.
