Bernard \"Bernie\" J. Manning
February 19, 1927 – March 11, 2018
In accordance with his wishes cremation will take place and a memorial service will be held on Saturday, March 17, 2018, beginning at 11:00 AM, in the chapel at Calvary Church, 855 S Drake Rd, Kalamazoo, MI 49009.
Obituary
Age 91, went to be with the Lord on March 11, 2018. He was born in Almena Twp. on February 19, 1927, the son of the late Carl and Maude (Banks) Manning. He was preceded in passing by two siblings, Virginia Anderson and Carl Manning. Bernie was a kind and loving man who was a joy to know. He had strong faith and was a long time member of Calvary Bible Church. After graduating from Kalamazoo Central Class of 1944, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy where he served our country with honor. After being discharged he returned to Kalamazoo, attended WMU and on May 7, 1949, he married the love of his life Joan “Joanne” Elaine (Mason) Manning who survives him. Bernie was a hard worker who was employed by the Upjohn Company where he was supervisor of the electric department. He retired after 36 years of service. When not working he loved to play golf and was an avid sports enthusiast and was a loyal U of M fan. Bernie and Joan enjoyed traveling and have fond memories of trips to Hawaii. Above all Bernie loved his family and did his best to provide for them. He was an involved grandfather and great-grandfather and he leaves behind the legacy of a life well lived. He is also survived by three children, Steve (Malgorzata) Manning, Keith R. Manning and Patricia (Jack) Fleming; eight grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren; nieces, nephews and friends.
Dear Joann and family, We have so many memories of times spent studying God’s word with Bernie and Joann. He was a faithful believer who loved Jesus. He was also a faithful friend who prayed for our family over many years. We were blessed to know Bernie and will miss him, though we have joy in knowing he is with His Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you Joann and family in the Home going of Bernie. Great memories of his leadership in the Maranatha class at Calvary Bible Church. Bernie will be greatly missed. “Praying without ceasing” Dave and Carol
When I think of my Uncle Bernie, I think of a blessed life well lived for Christ. I am so very grateful for all the times we spent together, with him and Aunt JoAnn, the wonderful memories of days gone by that our families shared together while we were growing up, intermingled with tons of laughter. He made me feel like I belonged after I lost both my parents, and for that I will be forever grateful, thank you Uncle Bernie, you will be forever loved and missed.
Bernie was a wonderful man that I had the pleasure of knowing for many years. Glad to see he had such a long and fun retirement. All my love and best wishes to his family. Blair Crawley
Dear ones, We have a lot of good memories of Bernie & Joan at Bethel Baptist Church! May the grace and comfort of God be yours during these days of loss. It is great to know he is present with the Lord. Blessings on all of you. Stan & Yvonne Veldt
Joan, Keith, and family, My prayers for you as you sorrow, but not as those who have no hope, as Bernie is home with Jesus. May He comfort you with the assurance that someday all who belong to Jesus will be united around the throne. Bernie is a sweet brother in the Lord.