Bernard J.Nelson, age 87, of La Porte, passed away unexpectedly on November 9, 2013 at IU Health La Porte Hospital. He was born in Baltimore, MD on June 25, 1926 to Benjamin and Marie (Milarski) Jendreczak. On January 7, 1950, he married Blanche J. Gasser, she preceded him in death on April 7, 2012.
He is survived by two daughters, Beverly J. (Richard) Mrozinski of LaPorte, and Bonnie Nelson (Jeffrey Gangloff); two grandsons, Garrett and Graham both of LaPorte.
He was preceded in death by his wife of 62 years, Blanche Nelson; his parents; and five siblings, Melvin, Leo, Stanley, Katherine, Mary Ann, and Daniel.
Bernard worked as a chemist at Bethlehem Steel in Baltimore, MD and later retired from Burns Harbor after nearly 40 years of service. He was a member of the Rolling Prairie VFW Post 9423 and the American Legion of Portage Post # 260. He was a dedicated family man who took great pride in his grandsons. He enjoyed golf & playing poker. Bernard served his country honorably during WWII. During the war he was a radio operator on the USS Libra and was involved in the Liberation of the Philippines.
Friends and family will be received from 3-7PM on Thursday November 14, 2013 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center.
A Celebration of Life Service will be held at the funeral home on Friday November 15, 2013 at 10 :00 AM with Chaplain Gordon Persinger officiating. Burial will follow at Rolling Prairie Cemetery where full military honors will be conducted by the VFW Post 9423.
Memorial Contributions may be directed to charity of the Donor's choice.