Mr. Bernard Van Atwater

Bernard entered this life November 8, 1958 and made his peaceful transition April 21, 2020 surrounded by his loving family, he was 61 years young. Bernard, was the third blessing of ‘Atwater Men’ born to Joseph and Cora Atwater. His interest in becoming an electrician began in high school. He was an avid sports fan and participated in football, baseball, track and field, and Tae Kwon Do. He was a proud member of the Saginaw High School Mighty Marching Trojans class of 1977. Corporal Bernard V. Atwater excelled as a United States ‘Devil Dog’ Marine where he earned his black belt in Tae Kwon Do and received both Good Conduct and Rifle Sharpshooting Medals. Our hearts are broken that God called you home but those empty spaces are filled with special memories of the precious time God gave us to love and care for you while you slept peacefully at home. As your wife my heart has been forever changed. My life is better because God shared you with me and on November 13, 2004 God blended our families and our lives. Bernard leaves heartfelt memories with his loving wife, Kimberly Atwater; sons, Rashad Van Atwater, Rasheed Jamal Atwater, Julian David (Jessica) Wettlin and Karmen Elaine Wettlin; one grandson, Cameron Vincent Wettlin; brothers, Clarence Atwater, Kenneth Atwater, Anthony Atwater and Bennie Gipson; many nieces, nephews, uncles, aunts, cousins, family and friends. Bernard was a diligent and respectful worker. He was well respected and always willing to help others. He was a licensed Journeyman Electrician and will be greatly missed by his employer, friends, and brothers at William F. Nelson Electric in Saginaw, MI and the IBEW Local #557 Union. As a member of Mt. Olive Inst’l Missionary Baptist Church, Bernard began his community outreach as a martial arts instructor, establishing the Mt. Olive Blue Angels. He not only instructed martial arts but encouraged all of his students to compete in tournaments, bringing many championships to the Olive. In celebration of their progress, Bernard hosted annual pool parties. He mentored a number of young people throughout the community being an avid supporter of them and the local school teams. He would later follow the Atwater tradition of becoming a self-proclaimed semi-professional bowler, joining the Sunday Old School and Friday Night Live leagues. The pinnacle of his bowling career came on February 4th, 2018 when he bowled a perfect 300 game. His hard work, dedication to his craft and commitment to helping others will be remembered by all those he touched. He was preceded in death by his son, Rashad Van Atwater; parents, Joseph and Cora Atwater. Visitation will take place Thursday, April 30, 2020 from 2:00 until 6:00 p.m. at Evans & Browne's Funeral Home, 441 N. Jefferson Ave., Saginaw, MI 48607. Dr. Marvin T. Smith will give words of encouragement at 5:00 p.m. Interment will be in Great Lakes National Cemetery, 4200 Belford Rd., Holly, MI 48442 at 9:00 a.m. on Friday, May 1, 2020.

Mr. Bernard Van Atwater

November 8, 1958 - April 21, 2020