Bernard R. Bach

Bernard Raymond Bach (Bernie)

September 9, 1924 – July 7, 2020

Born September 9, 1924, the youngest of four children to Nicholas and Anna (nee Cloutier) in River Rouge, Michigan. He was preceded in death by his parents and siblings George, Alice (McDade) and Robert. Bernie’s life, like so many of the “Greatest Generation”, was impacted by the great depression and service in the US Army during World War II. He grew up in River Rouge, Michigan, attended Catholic schools and enlisted in the US Army at age 18. Following the war, he was admitted to the University of Michigan, a grateful recipient of the GI Bill. He studied engineering and became the first member of his entire extended family to graduate from college. He met the love of his life, Dorothea (nee Mountz) on June 30, 1950, and they were married six months later. They celebrated nearly 67 years of marriage before she preceded him in death in 2017.

He was the father of Bernard Jr. (Elizabeth), Stephanie Harty (Jack), Gregory (Sue), and David. He is also survived by 12 grandchildren and 1 great granddaughter. He and Dotty were immensely proud that all their children and grandchildren achieved college educations. Bernard and Dotty spent almost their entire adult life in Northville and were involved members of the community, including service on the Zoning Board. An electrical engineer, Bernie worked in sales and subsequently started his own business, Bach Engineering, working well into his 70’s. He was a devout Catholic, an active member of the St. James Parish and their Prime Timers group, a devoted and loving husband, and an engaged parent.

He and Dotty took their first vacation away from their family on their 25th anniversary. In their post retirement years, they enjoyed traveling and visited Europe on six occasions. They regularly wintered in Arizona for 15 years and were enthusiastic Michigan Wolverine fans. He was a talented stained-glass artist and was physically active until pandemic restrictions limited his driving and regular visits to the gym this spring. He was an avid and prolific reader, finishing 40 books a year during his last decade of life.

After Dotty’s death he moved to Independence Village in Plymouth and enjoyed the friendship of a group of six WWII veterans known as the “Mustangs”. All four of his children were blessed to be able to spend time with him during his final illness and his grandchildren were able to see him on regular Friday family Zoom visits - technology he mastered at age 95!

A Funeral Mass will be held Saturday, July 24, 2021 at 10:00 a.m. with Memorial Visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. at St. James Catholic Church, 46325 W. Ten Mile Rd., Novi.  Mr. Bach will be laid to rest with his beloved wife at Rural Hill Cemetery in Northville.

Those wishing to make memorial contributions are encouraged to support the Capuchin Soup Kitchen, where Bernie was a volunteer for many years. https://www.cskdetroit.org/more-than-about-food/