Bernard Leo Despres

March 13, 1932 ~ January 21, 2023

Bernard Despres, age 90, of Wyoming was called to his heavenly reward on Saturday, January 21, 2023. Bernie was a hard-working model maker for the office furniture industry for many years. He was a devoted Catholic and faithful member of St. John Vianney Catholic Church where he helped out with liturgical services and was a member of the Sunday choir. He enjoyed riding and took great pride in his Honda Goldwing motorcycle. Bernie also enjoyed building and flying remote control airplanes. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Barbara, and second wife, Cora; son, Gary Despres; brothers and sisters, Rita Ross, Alfred Despres, Raymond Despres, Rosemary Strz; brother and sister-in-laws, Maxine Despres, Charles Oshinski, Norbert Oshinski. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Mannette (Mike) Minier, Richard Despres, Nancy Despres, Bernard T. (Janine) Despres, and Cindy Despres; his grandchildren, Jason and Ryan Minier, Matthew Despres, Joseph, Barbara, and Emma Despres; great-grandchildren, Logan, Carter, and Madison Minier; brother and sister, Blanche and Jerry Krenselewski; sister-in-law, Connie Oshinski. The Mass of Christian Burial will be held Wednesday, January 25, 2023 at 11 a.m. at St. John Vianney Catholic Church, 4101 Clyde Park Ave. SW, Wyoming, with Rev. John Vallier officiating. Burial Resurrection Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family on Tuesday from 5 to 7 p.m. with a rosary at 7 p.m. at Matthysse Kuiper DeGraaf Funeral Home, 4031 Clyde Park SW, Wyoming, and for one hour prior to mass at church. Those who wish may make memorial contributions to St. John Vianney Education Foundation.

Visitation
Tuesday, January 24
5:00pm - 7:00pm

MKD - Wyoming
4031 Clyde Park Ave. SW
Wyoming, MI 49509

Phone: (616) 534-5417

Rosary
Tuesday, January 24
7:00pm

MKD - Wyoming
4031 Clyde Park Ave. SW
Wyoming, MI 49509

Phone: (616) 534-5417

Visitation
Wednesday, January 25
10:00am - 11:00am

St. John Vianney Church
4101 Clyde Park SW
Wyoming, MI 49509

Mass of Christian Burial
Wednesday, January 25
11:00am

St. John Vianney Church
4101 Clyde Park SW
Wyoming, MI 49509

Leave Your Tribute Message

January 24, 2023 11:56am
God says love to they neighbor; Bernie was such a great neighbor he’s been our neighbor for 60 years! He was so good to my parents(Nellie and Byron Hopkins ) many years they shared block parties,coffee and fellowship. He then became neighbors for m6 daughter and her children.they adored Bernie. Quite simply a really good guy. I pray god will surround his family with comfort. Melodye(lLane)Rantz

- Melodye (Lane) Rantz

January 24, 2023 12:14am
My Uncle Bernie, I’m so grateful to you for so many giving and thoughtful things you did for my Mom and us kids. My most cherished memory is when you mentored me with motorcycle handling and safety when I purchased my motorcycle as a late teen. Thank you for insisting that I get the “crash bars” installed on my bike! Always and forever love, your niece Lynne

- Lynne Clark

January 23, 2023 10:49pm
A beautiful soul walked this earth for 90 years. His name was Uncle Bernie. Many of my childhood memories included Uncle Bernie, Aunt Barb and all the kids, His gentle manner touched so many lives, Dear Mannette, Rich, Bernard and families you all are in my thoughts and prayers.

- Linda Ross Nye

January 23, 2023 3:16pm
Bernie was a very special guy, we shared so many parties & card games at Patti Selzer's with them! Bernie & I shared a "love" for motorcycles - My Stella Scooter with a sidecar made him laugh! But he sure loved his "Wing". I will miss his hugs after Mass! His Reverent Devotion to God & our Blessed Mother always inspired me! My Mama, Theresa Beduhn, always loved Bernie and tried to remember his Birthday every year! He always sent her his love & prayers through me and I shared hers with him!! I will cherish all the memories & pictures together! We send his family our love & prayers! Pam

- Pamela (Beduhn) Hild

January 23, 2023 11:50am
To our terrific Envoy Member and friend of Torchbearer Tau Chapter, we shall miss your laughter and presence with our group. Even after our member Cora’s death you joined us and our activities especially when food was involved. On Dec. 11th we had our Christmas social and you were there! Laughter, jokes and memories you shared with us, we’ll never forget you. Beta Sigma Phi’s Closing: May the Lord watch between me and thee, while we are absent, one from the other.

- Ruth Keur

January 23, 2023 10:06am
Mannette, Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time. May the God of all Grace give you Comfort and Peace. Jeanne Knol

- Jeanne Knol

January 23, 2023 9:37am
Bernie was a great friend and exceptional person. He was always ready to help anytime anyone needed anything and often opened his home to choir events. We still have an entertainment center he completely rebuilt for us. As we now live in Colorado Springs, we will not be able to attend services but will keep him and the family in our prayers. Ralf and Janine Holloman

- Ralf and Janine Holloman




Order flowers for Bernard's service.

Seasonal Potted Plant (mum, poinsettia, cyclamen, etc.)

Thinking of You Basket

Gerbera Greetings

Natures Glory

Sincere Sympathy Garden

Blooming Duo

Loving Embrace

Classic Sympathy

Stargazer Garden

Designer’s Choice Grand Vase Arrangement

Tender Touch

White Wonder

Bells of Beauty

Stargazer Easel Spray

Beautiful Memories

Remembrance Easel Spray

Beautiful Blessings Wreath

Colorful Memories Wreath

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