Bernard "Bernie" G. Chandler, of Grand Rapids, Minnesota, passed away peacefully after a long and beautiful life on July 15, 2026, at St. Mary's Hospital in Duluth, Minnesota. He was 89 years old.

Bernard was born on February 12, 1937, to Adeline G. and Leonard S. Chandler. He was the oldest of six children, Jim, Janet, Dan, Jayne and Brian, growing up in Deer River, Minnesota. Bernard attended Deer River High School, Itasca Community College, and received a degree in Mechanical Engineering and a MBA from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis.

On June 14, 1958, Bernard married his high school sweetheart and the love of his life, Fern Aldrich of Bowstring, MN. Together they had six children, Steve, Jeff, Greg, Tom, Marcy, and Joe.

While living in the Twin Cities after college, Bernard and Fern welcomed their first four children, Steve, Jeff, Greg and Tom.  After the family moved to Grand Rapids, MN, they welcomed Marcy and Joe. Their family life included building and enjoying their forever home on Horseshoe Lake Road, visits to family in Bowstring and Deer River, making maple syrup in the spring, hunting, fishing, horses, dogs, Starcraft camper trips all over the country (imagine six kids in a pop-up camper!), friends and time at St. Joe's school and church.

Bernard enjoyed a fulfilling career at Industrial Lubricant and continued both his dad's and a mentor's passion for airplanes by flying his Cessna across the country for sales and service. In addition to work, Fern and Bern were active members of St. Joe's Catholic Church, dedicating much of their time to their church community.

He had a great sense of humor, always had a cup of coffee in hand, and had a strong sweet tooth. He always had room for a little pie. He loved spending time at the deer shack listening to the banter of friends, brothers and sisters, kids, grandkids, and great grandkids.

Bernard is preceded in death by his parents, Adeline and Leonard, and his brothers Jim and Brian.

He is survived by his wife of 68 years, Fern, his children Steve (Teresa King), Jeff (Colleen), Greg (Chris), Tom (Emmy, in loving memory), Marcy (Todd) Davidson, Joe (Kelly), and 17 grandchildren and many great grandchildren.

Bernard was calm, wise, gentle and kind, and will always be loved and remembered by his family as a wonderful example of a well lived life.

A Mass of Christian Burial for Bernard will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Church on Wednesday, July 22, 2026. Formal Services will begin at 11:00am, with a visitation an hour prior starting at 10:00am.