Bernard John Van Erem, 68, died Monday, May 16, 2005 at his home in West Richland.

He was born on January 24, 1937 in Milbank, South Dakota at St. Bernard’s Hospital to John and Frances Pepka Van Erem. Bernard was the youngest of five children. He spent the first ten years of his life on the family farm. When the family sold the farm, they moved to Big Stone City where Bernard attended High School, graduating as Co-Salutatorian of his class. In July 1955, Bernard joined the Navy. In the Navy he served his country proudly for 20 years, most of which were spent on Nuclear Submarines. Through his Naval Career he accomplished much, serving through the Korean Conflict and part of the Vietnam Conflict, and finally retiring as a Master Chief Petty Officer E-9 in 1974. After retiring from the Navy, he went to work in the commercial nuclear industry. This led him to Idaho, New York and finally to the Tri-Cities where he settled in 1976, when he went to work at the Nuclear Power Plant.

Bernard had three adopted children, two children of his own, and four step-children. In 1993 he united with Judy Nelson in marriage at their home in West Richland. When he retired in 2002, he wrote a journal detailing his life experiences and dedicated it to his beloved wife.

He is survived by his wife Judy; his siblings: Emil and wife Vidella, Rosella and husband Harold Dittes, Agnes and husband Elliot Fine, and deceased brother Vincent and surviving wife Delores Van Erem; his children: Brian, Wendy Witcher, Robert and wife Bonnie, and Shanna; his step-children: Elana and husband Rick Brown, Lynn and husband Kevin Rice, David and wife Carrie Nelson, and Aaron and Libby Nelson; his grandchildren: Blaine, Mark, Jenifyr, Matthew, Aimee, Rachel, Jayce, Mason, Jesseca, Davie, Alicia, Jonathon and Autumn; and his great-grandchild: Jenicy.

Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM Saturday, May 21, 2005 at Einan’s Funeral Home, Richland, Washington. Visitation will be Friday 5:00-8:00 PM at Einan’s Funeral Home.