Bernie C. Mihalovich
June 28, 2015
Bernie C. Mihalovich
Des Moines
Bernie C. Mihalovich, 83, passed away Sunday, June 28, 2015 at Mercy Hospice in Johnston, surrounded by his loving family.
Bernie was born December 15, 1931 to John and Ann (Kauzlarich) Mihalovich. He attended St. Anthony’s graduating in 1945, and graduated from Dowling High School in 1949. In 1951, Bernie joined the Marine Corps and served in the Korean War. He was honorably discharged in 1954. He was a proud Marine and southsider. In 1956, he married the love of his life, Nina DeFazio. Bernie began working for Otis Elevator (now United Technologies) in 1959 and retired in 1990. He was a member of the American Legion Post #659, Veterans of Foreign Wars and the National Elevator Union.
Bernie had a talent for fixing anything. He was a one of a kind guy who did everything “his way”. He had a great sense of humor. He enjoyed playing cards with his friends, bowling, watching football, listening to Dean Martin songs, was a huge John Wayne fan and most of all, being with his family.
Bernie is survived by his loving wife of 59 years, Nina; children, Tom (Lauri), Tony (Jennifer) and Carole (Kevin) Bauer; grandchildren, Stefanie (Bill) Schaff, Bobby (Whitney) Mazzie, Antonia Mihalovich, Amber Brown, Aricka Brown, Kevin (Kathy) Bauer, Kyle Bauer, Kelsey Bauer, Zeb (Megan) Birchette, Zoey (Casey) Rankin; great-grandchildren, Vincent Mazzie, Kendall Mazzie, Avery Schaff, Gabbi Laghezza, Dominic Laghezza, James Birchette and Rachel Rankin; and a host of extended family and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents and his brother, John Mihalovich III.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. with the Rosary recited at 7 p.m. Wednesday, July 1, 2015 at Hamilton’s Southtown Funeral Home, 5400 SW 9th Street. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Thursday at St. Anthony Catholic Church, 15 Indianola Avenue followed by burial at Glendale Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be directed to St. Anthony Catholic Church.
Online condolences may be expressed at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.
“Always Faithful” “Always Loyal” Semper Fi.
Cindy & Dave Bogle
07/02/2015
Our deepest sympathies to your family.
Jeannette Lose
07/02/2015
My thoughts and prayers are with your family take care
Pat Mihalovich Gannon
06/30/2015
Thinking of all the family and especially Nina. My condolences. Nina I will be in touch after things are settled and we can have a good conversation. I'm so thankful we stopped to see you and Bernie and the added treat to see Carole and Kevin. Love you!
John Renda
06/30/2015
Tommy,
I'm very sorry to hear about the passing of your father. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers and thoughts. Take care!!
Dennis Oliver Family
06/29/2015
So very sorry to hear this!! He was a very great man!! One Den looked up to at Otis with respect and admiration!!! He will be greatly missed!! He could always brighten my day with one of many stories and a hug!!! Our prayers For the family!!