Bernard F. Diedrich

Bernard “Bernie” F. Diedrich passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on Friday, October 4, 2024, at his home in The Villages, Florida. He was 81. Bernie was born on December 26, 1942, in South Bend, Indiana to the late Arthur J. and Lucille S. (Duck) Diedrich.

To know Bernie was to love him. He had a warm, generous and calm nature to which people gravitated. There wasn’t a favor that Bernie wouldn’t do for a person in need. Bernie’s loves in life were his wife, Patti, Sunsets at Lake Michigan, golf, Notre Dame Football, and spending time with his family and friends.

Bernie graduated from St. Joseph Grade School and St. Joseph High School in South Bend. He then earned his Bachelor of Science Degree from St. Benedict’s College in Kansas and his Master’s Degree in Special Education from St. Mary’s College in South Bend. Bernie was a successful businessman and worked as a commercial real estate broker and appraiser, expert witness, and entrepreneur with several businesses. Bernie was a member for many years of the Parish Council at St. Joseph Church, the St. Joseph County Judicial Nominating Committee, Chamber of Commerce, MLS Member of the Board of Realtors, and the Supervisory Committee for Teachers Credit Union. Bernie and Patti retired to The Villages, Florida in 2013 where he lived a happy life of golf, family and friends.Bernie is survived by his wife of 57 years, Patricia; their children, Mark (Elizabeth) Diedrich, and Elaine (Andy) Baker; grandchildren: Emerson Brinker, Hayden and Isaac Baker, Carlton and Harrison Diedrich; brother, Richard (Shirl Pessl) Diedrich; and many nieces and nephews.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Donald Diedrich, sister Marilyn Walker, and his brother-in-law, Phil Walker.

Funeral Services for Bernie will take place on Saturday, October 19, 2024, at the McGann Hay, Granger Chapel, 13260 SR 23, Granger, IN 46530 entrance off Cherry Rd., at 12:00 p.m. with visitation beginning at 10:00 a.m. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in South Bend, IN.

Memorial Donations can be made to Christ Child Society, 2366 Miracle Ln., Mishawaka, IN, 46545 or www.christchildsb.org.