Bernard Linsley

Mr. Bernard (“Bernie”) Linsley, age 90, of Kalamo, MI, passed away Sunday, December 12th, at Sparrow Hospital in Lansing, MI.
Bernie was born in Bellevue, MI, on February 1, 1931, a son of the late Alta (Rice) and L.Z. Linsley. He spent his early childhood working the family farm in Bellevue and later working his own farm in Kalamo. In addition to farming, Bernie worked at local stockyards and later worked at Kellogg’s in Battle Creek, MI, for 32 years.
On June 16, 1951, he married Barbara Smurr, his childhood neighbor. Bernie and his two brothers married Barb and her two sisters. They renovated and established their first and only home together in the Kalamo area where they raised their family. The Linsleys shared their home with several foster children through the years.
Bernie described Barbara as the “perfect wife,” and together they enjoyed renovating houses. Their passion and hard work led the couple to complete over 33 house renovations in the area.
“Work hard, play hard” was a creed that Bernie and Barb shared during their nearly 69 years of marriage. They traveled extensively across the United States as well as Canada, Mexico, and the Caribbean. In later years, the couple purchased homes in Florida that became their winter escape for over 30 years.  They also enjoyed spending time at family properties in Kalkaska and at Thornapple Lake. In addition, Bernie and Barb found a family of friends through rodeo enthusiasts and the owners, workers, and patrons at both Shirley’s Chuckwagon and Rip’s Place. The family extends great gratitude to the many who gave comfort and help to Bernard during the difficult days after Barbara’s passing.
Bernard also found increased strength and peace through his relationship with God. The family is grateful for the ministry of Marion Hamilton and a Mrs. Grable who made sure that Bernie and his brothers got to Assyria Bible Church on Sundays. During that time, the Cunninghams took him and his brothers to a retreat at Gull Lake. There, at the age of 16, Bernie accepted Jesus Christ as his Savior. As a married couple, Bernie and Barb worshipped at Nashville Baptist Church and loved their church family.
Bernie is survived by his two sons, Glen (Donna) Linsley and Ed (Linda) Linsley; his brother, Gerald Linsley; sister-in-law, Gloria Linsley; brother-in-law, Doug (Pat) Smurr; 9 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and many others who called him “Dad.” He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Barbara; his brother, Donald; and sister-in-law, Mary Linsley.
Funeral services are being conducted privately with Pastor Deano Lamphere officiating.  Bernie will be interred at a private ceremony at Hillside Cemetery in Kalamo, MI. There will a combined memorial service in the springtime to honor and celebrate Bernard and Barbara’s life together. In lieu of flowers memorial contributions may be made to Nashville Baptist Church 304 Philips Street, Nashville, MI 49073 and may be designated to the Gideons for purchase of audio Bibles in different languages. Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to the Daniels Funeral Home in Nashville, MI  For further details please visit our website at www.danielsfuneralhome.net.