Bernard Francis Mileski

Bernard Francis "Bernie" Mileski, 68 of Battle Creek died at Battle Creek Veterans Affairs Medical Center with his family at his side on Monday, September 12, 2016, after a long illness.

Back in the days before Ionia had a hospital, Bernie was born in Grand Rapids, MI on April 28, 1948, to Francis Leon and Yolanda (Smith) Mileski. Bernie grew up in Ionia and was a 1967 graduate of Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic High School. Five days after graduation, he began serving his country with the U.S. Army. During his tour of duty, Bernie served for 18 months in Vietnam, until August 1969.

After Vietnam, Bernie worked in Virginia for several companies including N.A.S.A. and eventually began an apprenticeship in welding at the Newport News Ship Building & Dry Dock Company in Newport News, Virginia in 1972. He earned an Associate Degree in Welding and his Journeyman's License in 1976. In June of 1977, Bernie made his way to Ionia and worked as a welder in Grand Rapids. In November, 1977, he came to Battle Creek, where he was employed at the Battle Creek Veterans Affairs Medical Center until retiring in 2006 due to health concerns. Bernie was employed at the V.A. as a welder, sheet metal mechanic, in general repairs and retired as a Contract Officer Technician. Bernie also completed two years of ministry formation and a total of five years of Theology training to become a Catholic Deacon. On September 7, 2002 Bernie was ordained a Permanent Deacon of the Roman Catholic Church.

Bernard F. Mileski was united in marriage to Sharon E. Ellis at St. Vincent DePaul Catholic Church in Newport News, VA on January 30, 1971. Surviving are Sharon, his wife of 45 years; three children, Michelle Mileski and Karen Mileski, both of Battle Creek, Greg (Pam) Mileski of Grand Rapids; eight grandchildren, Ray, Audrey, Holly, Jacob, Kristina, Jordan, Michael and Alexis Mileski; siblings, John (Chris) Mileski and Ed (Jennifer) Mileski all of Ionia, Julie (Richard) Houchin of Heber Springs, AR and Annette Mileski of Lansing; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces and nephews and their families. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents and a brother, Robert Mileski.

Bernie was a member of St. Philip Catholic Church, where he sang in the choir, played guitar for Mass, was Director of R.I.C.A. with Sharon for eight years. In 2002 was ordained a Deacon and served St. Philip Parish. At St. Philip he was involved with Msg. William J. Fitzgerald in the formation of the St. Philip Parish Council; and with Fr. Charles H. Fischer on numerous church activities and with JONAH on social justice issues. Bernie was a 4th Degree and Life Member of the Knights of Columbus and has been a member since age 18 in 1966. Deacon Bernie was a former on call Chaplain for Battle Creek Health System. He enjoyed hunting and activities with Sharon and the kids, and loved gardening, singing with SPEBSQSA, Inc. (barbershoppers), camping and his grandkids.

Friends will be received 2:00-4:00 & 6:00-8:00 p.m. Wednesday at Farley Estes Dowdle Funeral Home & Cremation Care, where a Scripture Service / Rosary will be held at 7:30 p.m. followed by The Office of The Dead.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at St. Philip Catholic Church 11:00 a.m. Thursday, September 15, 2016. Committal and military honors will follow at Ft. Custer National Cemetery.

Memorial contributions may be made to (Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools) B.C.A.C.S., 63 N. 24th St., Battle Creek, MI 49015 or St. Philip Building Fund, 20 Cherry St., Battle Creek, MI 49017. Personal messages for the family may be placed here at www.farleyestesdowdle.com.