Alfred John Bernard was born July 1, 1932, and peacefully passed away at home on September 8, 2026.

He was preceded in death by his first wife Bettie Bernard, 1956-1985; and his second wife Karen Bernard, 1990-2024; his parents Gregorio and Albertina Bernardo; and siblings Louis, Edward, Joseph,Manuel, Alex, Jubilene, Isabell, and Carrie.

He is survived by his remaining sister Mildred, his son Steve (Nita) Bernard, daughter Victoria Grobis, step-children Kevin (Deb) Kiekhafer, Kurt (Kelli) Kiekhafter, and Kathleen (Ron) Woodman; grandchildren Katharyn (Blaire), Nicholas, Joseph (Emily), Zachary (Jane), Elizabeth (Dan), Kailey, and Kloe; and great grandchildren Gabriel and Maxen.

Alfred served in the U. S. Navy on the supply ship Frontier during the Korean conflict. He worked for Kimber Farms and made his career at General Motors in fire security. While serving in Security he is credited with saving the life of a man at the Fremont California plant, where he received a letter of commendation from then President Jimmy Carter; and the life of a heart attack victim at the Janesville, Wisconsin plant. Alfred’s hobbies included woodworking, stained glass, gardening, watching sports and spending time with family and friends.

A Memorial Mass will be said for Alfred at 10:00am on September 26, 2026, at Saint Catherine of Siena Catholic Church, 3019 Cayce Lane, Columbia, TN 38401. The family invites friends to join us at La Fuente restaurant for lunch and sharing of our favorite Papa stories.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to Three Hearts Academy, Radio Maria USA, 601 Washington St., Alexandria LA 71301-8028; or Saint Catherine’s Parrish, 3019 Cayce Lane, Columbia TN 38401.