Dennis Bernest

Dennis Hugh Bernest of Bancroft, Michigan entered into eternal rest on August 8th with his devoted wife and loving daughters by his side. He was born on October 16, 1945 in Lynchburg, Virginia to Chester and Nadine (Godsey) Bernest. Dennis was raised in the small village of Byron, Michigan, where he came to love a quiet, country life. He attended the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor and later worked as a stock broker, serving as Vice President and Manager of Prudential Securities in Lansing.

Dennis married his wife, Joanne Fata, in December of 1982. In reference to their marriage, Dennis often quoted his favorite author, Henry David Thoreau, saying “I silently smile at my incessant good fortune”.

He was a dedicated husband, father, son, and brother who centered his life around family. Recently, the birth of his granddaughter, Eloise, brought him immeasurable joy. His wife and children will forever miss his quick wit and dry humor, and will think of him every time they see Santa Claus at Christmas, a role he enjoyed filling at family parties.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Chester and Nadine Bernest, brother-in-law Frank Fata, and sisters-in-law Gloria Spagnuolo and Margaret Fetyko. He is survived by his wife Joanne, daughters Mary (Bill) Burdett and Katherine (John) Hilker, granddaughter Eloise Hilker, sister Deana (Patrick) Finnegan, nephew Patrick A. Finnegan, niece Keely Finnegan (Brendan Giffel), sisters-in-law Dorena Castellani, Eleanor (Louis) Dionise, Ellen Fata, and brothers-in-law Ernest (Teresa) Fata, Lawrence (Barbara) Fata, and David Fetyko.

A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Thursday, August 11 at 12 noon at St. Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church, 955 Alton Rd., East Lansing, MI. The family will receive friends at the church on Wednesday, August 10 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m., with the rosary being prayed at 7 p.m. There is also visitation one hour prior to the service.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Mother Teresa House, P. O. Box 130004, Lansing MI 48933, in memory of Dennis Bernest.

The family is being served by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Homes, East Lansing. Condolences and memories may be shared with the family at www.greastlansing.com