Bernard "Bernie" Louis Marchetti was born December 31, 1933, in the Village of Franklin, Minnesota, to Louis and Esther (Leikas) Marchetti.

Bernie graduated from Roosevelt High School in 1951 and attended the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. He graduated from the University of Minnesota-Duluth in 1954 with a Bachelor of Arts in Zoology. He served in the Army in Korea from 1956 to 1958 and continued in the Army Reserve until 1962. Starting in 1959, he taught high school science and was an assistant football coach until 1966.

Bernie married Mary Alice Buchanan on November 29, 1969, recently celebrating 51 years together. They were blessed with two children.

In 1966, he accepted a job with the United States Department of Agriculture at Michigan State University, where he earned his Master of Science. He retired from the USDA in 2000.

After retiring, Bernie enjoyed traveling to Italy, France, and Spain with Mary. However, his favorite place was the family cabin in northern Minnesota. Each summer he returned to the cabin and delighted in the fact his children and grandchildren could enjoy it.

Bernie was a man of faith who found comfort in the teachings of the Catholic Church. His love of the outdoors, cooking, and college football (Minnesota or Michigan State) will always be remembered by those close to him. His legacy will live on in the lessons he instilled in his children and grandchildren. He was a quiet and kind man who loved his family above all else.

Bernard Louis Marchetti passed away July 25, 2021, with his family at his side.

He is survived by his wife, Mary Alice; his children: Jeffrey Marchetti and Jennifer (James) Gordon; and two grandchildren Abigail and Quinn Gordon. He is also survived by his brother Dan and his sister Katherine Ann "Kay" Pisaneschi. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, Louis and Esther Marchettti, and two sisters.

Arrangements were by Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home, Williamston, Michigan. On Tuesday, August 3, viewing began at 10:00 a.m. at St. Mary's Catholic Church, Williamston, followed by a Mass of the Resurrection at 11:00 a.m. Interment was at Mt. Calvary Cemetery with a luncheon following at St. Mary's.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Disabled American Veterans or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Information from the Gorsline Runciman Funeral Home website, and Bernie's sister, Kay. Submitted by Angela, Member #48520699.