J. Bernard "Bernie" Beemiller

James Bernard “Bernie” Beemiller 96 of Bedford, died Wednesday, September 22, 2021 at Victoria House at Spring House Estates.  He was born on April 2, 1925 in Bedford a son of the late J. Franklin and Marie (Drenning) Beemiller.  On August 3, 1946 in Bedford he married Vera C. (Creighton) Beemiller who preceded him in death on September 9, 2015.  He is survived by a daughter Bonnie L. Speece, of Everett, a son John L. Beemiller and wife Carla, of Bedford; five grandchildren: Chad Beemiller and wife Cindy, Courtney MacMullen and husband Kenny, Josh Beemiller and wife Jessica, Jeremy Beemiller and wife Elizabeth, and Cara Fink and husband Keenan; and nine great-grandchildren.  He was preceded in death by a son James B. “Jim” Beemiler Jr.; three brothers: Francis, Leo, and Louis Beemiller; and two sisters: Theresa Arnold, and Betty Hafer.

Bernie entered the US army June 1943 and trained in California seeing action in the South Pacific earning the Asiatic Pacific Ribbon with four Bronze Service Stars, Philippines Liberation Ribbon with two Bronze Service Stars, Good Conduct Medal, and the World War II Victory Medal.  He was honorably discharged in January 1946.  Bernie was employed by Bedford Rural Electric Coop., Inc. for 41 years and was the General Manager for his last 10 years before retiring in 1987.  He was a member of the St. Thomas Catholic Church, Knights of Columbus Council #1439 where he was past Grand Knight, and was also a 4th Degree Member of Fr. Thomas Heydon Assembly at Bedford.  Bernie was a Charter Member of the Bedford VFW Post #7527, and was a former member and chairperson of the Bedford County Children and Youth Advisory Board.  The family would like to express their gratitude to the administration and staff Homewood at Spring House Estates for the exceptional care Bernie received over the last few months.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Monday, September 27, 2021 at 10:00 a.m., at the St. Thomas Catholic Church, with Fr. Richard Tomkosky Celebrant.  Burial at St. Thomas Catholic Cemetery, with full military rites conducted by the Fort Bedford Honor Guard.  Friends will be received on Sunday from 1-4 p.m., at the Timothy A. Berkebile Funeral Home, in Bedford.  In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to:  James E. Van Zandt Voluntary Service Program, 2907 Pleasant Valley Boulevard, Altoona, PA 16602; or UPMC Family Hospice, 20 Sheraton Dr., Altoona, PA 16601. Our online guestbook is available at www.berkebilefuneralhome.com.