Roger Dale Bernard, 71, of La Porte, passed away on Friday, January 6, 2017 at IU Health La Porte Hospital.
Roger was born in Hazard, KY, on January 19, 1945 to Virginia Dixon.
On August 12, 2000, he married Jane Gretz who survives. Also surviving are his beloved children, Jennifer Bernard-Bildhauser of La Porte and Christopher (Summer) Bernard of La Porte; 7 grandchildren, Jordyn, Madison, Amira, Trenton, Violet, Tucker, Chance and Toy; sister, Donna Maglio; extended family, Eric Hayes, and Chris Kottka; brother-in-law, Jim (Debbie) Gretz of Surprise, AZ; two sister-in-laws, Margaret (Al) Luther of Racine, WI, and Sue (Ralph) Mazzie of Cochranville, PA; as well as nieces, nephews and numerous friends.
He was preceded in death by his mother, Virginia Ambrose; brother, Greg Bernard; stepbrother, Larry Ambrose, stepsister, Brenda Patterson, and stepfather, James Ambrose.
Roger was an amazing person who had a wonderful sense of humor and loved to project a rough exterior yet had a very soft heart. He will be greatly missed. Roger was hired by the La Porte County Sheriff’s Department in August of 1980 and he honorably served the residents of our county for 28 years; having retired in October of 2008. Roger also worked as a courier for the La Porte Savings Bank and as a security officer on Oprah Winfrey's farm. In addition, Roger was a United States Marine and he liked to add that to his persona. Besides being a dedicated public servant and great co-worker, he was a devoted husband and a wonderful father. He also loved his grandchildren and would never hesitate to tell people that he was a father to their dogs, donkeys and horses. He also enjoyed cooking, fishing, traveling, and John Deere tractors.
A cremation committal has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service with full military honors will be held at 6:30 pm on Wednesday, January 11, 2017 at Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center.
A time of visitation will be held from 2 - 6:30 pm on Wednesday at the funeral home.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be directed to the La Porte County Small Animal Shelter, 2855 West SR 2, La Porte, IN 46350.
Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlerfuneralhome.com.