Bernhard I. Echt

Known as an uplifting mentor Bernie inspired by word and example. A selfless and faithful friend to many, he was a steadfast pillar of the St. Clair community the past 26 years. He established the Ashville Plaza where Imperial Professional Dry Cleaners and Laundry continues. This remarkable man was known for superb humor, tireless energy, resilience, fearless determination, optimism, and hard work. As a devoted husband to his wife Doan, he held deep affection for his family, friends, employees and customers. He felt anything was achievable if you made up your mind to do it.

Bernie was born in Mehlsack, East Prussia. When he was nearly 2 years old, Bernie’s family fled to China to escape Nazi persecution. While incarcerated in the Shanghai Ghetto by the Japanese, his family immigrated to Sosua, Dominican Republic following liberation. At age 18, he moved to upstate New York where he met his first wife Pia and subsequently opened their first Dry Cleaners and Laundry. They then moved to Germany and, following a successful 8 years they immigrated to the US, settling in Jacksonville, FL, where Pia passed away.

Bernie met his second wife Doan in 1984. Years later they moved to the community of Ashville that he loved and served, during which time he became a faithful and dedicated mason of the Ashville Masonic Lodge #186. His life was a remarkable journey that included providing professional dry cleaning and laundry services for over 65 years. For the rest of his amazing story (see the article A Long Journey by Joe Whitten in Discover the Essence of St. Clair County Magazine). https://discoverstclair.com/traveling-the-backroads/a-long-journey/

Bernie was dearly loved and will be missed and fondly remembered by many especially his family. May his memory be a blessing to all.

Preceded in death by his parents Erna Scharnitzki Echt and Salomon Echt, sister Eva Echt Fleischmann, first wife Pia L. Seleuthner Echt. He is survived by his wife of 39 years Doan M. Dorough Echt, his sisters Ruth Echt Meyerstein and Sara Echt Kohn; his sons Bernhard D. Echt (Elfriede), Daniel S. Echt (Angelica), Blake Farmer (Sherry) and Marty Farmer (Amy), his daughter Katharina V. Echt (C. Don McCall); grandchildren Bernhard Echt (Leslie), Phillip A. Echt (Summer), Daniel Echt (Deirdre), Christopher Echt (Lisa), Janel Bean, Justin Farmer (Frances), Kyle McCall, Meagan King (Brandon), Kaylan Ladosky, Anzlee Farmer, Eason Farmer and 20 great-grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers please send donations in Bernie’s name to Ashville Masonic Lodge #186 F&AM, P.O. Box 386, Ashville, AL 35953