Bernard Halker

BERNARD R. "BERNIE" HALKER, 81, died at 6:48 a.m. November 22, 2004, at Springview Manor Nursing Home. He was born October 9, 1923, in Columbus Grove, Ohio to Bernard J. and Madalene Kuhlman Halker, who preceded him in death. On November 3, 1949, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Wapakoneta, Ohio, he married Mary Louise Strohm, who survives in Lima, Ohio. They had been married 55 years. Mr. Halker retired in 1986 as a sheet metal worker for Smith-Boughan, after 26 years. He was a charter member of St. Charles Catholic Church. He was a member of Sheet Metal Workers Local 224, for 32 years. He was a member of American Legion Post 96, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 1275 and a life member of Benevolent and Protective Order of Elks Lodge 54. He was an Army veteran of World War II serving in the European Theater, Normandy invasion and the Battle of the Bulge. He was awarded the Bronze Star. Survivors also include a daughter, Renee (Michael) Carson of Sylvania, Ohio; a brother, Thomas (Dottie) Halker of Oldsmar, Florida; a sister, Velma (George) Tobin of Willoughby Hills, Ohio; a grandson, Samuel Carson of Sylvania, Ohio; a granddaughter, Sarah Carson of Sylvania, Ohio; a sister-in-law, Lucille Halker of Toledo, Ohio; and several nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by four brothers, Wilfred Halker, Alfred Halker, Elmer Halker and Paul Halker; two sisters, Margaret Otremba and Leonilla "Lee" Dimond; and a grandson, Benjamin David Carson. Mass of Christian Burial will begin at 11:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Charles Catholic Church. Father Dave Ritchie will officiate. Burial will be in Gethsemani Cemetery with military rites by VFW Post 1275. Friends may call from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday at Chamberlain-Huckeriede Funeral Home, where a wake service will be held at 8 p.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Lung Association/Ohio West, 1541 Allentown Road, Lima, OH 45805; St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church or the Elida Emergency Squad. Condolences may be expressed at www.chamberlainhuckeriede.com.