Bernard Leon "Bernie" Larson

Bernard Leon Larson, age 78, of Battle Creek, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 14th, 2021 in Battle Creek after a long battle with health issues. He was born April 1, 1942, in Detroit Lakes, MN. He is the son of Bernard Sr. and Frances (Kohler) Larson.

Bernie was raised in Moorhead, MN and was united in marriage to Joan (Erdahl) on June 27th, 1964 and they spent 56 wonderful years together. Bernie graduated from Moorhead State University in 1965 with a BA in Education. They moved to Battle Creek in 1965 to begin his career at Pennfield Schools. He loved working for Pennfield Schools as the highly regarded Athletic Director for over 29 years. His passion for Pennfield Athletics was second to none. Bernie was also a proud member of St. Paul’s Evangelical Lutheran Church. He was an Elder, Deacon, and Adult Bible Study teacher at St. Paul’s.

Bernie was also very involved in the community through athletics and other activities. Bernie was a part of numerous clubs and organizations, some include the Pennfield Lions Club as a Charter Member, American Amateur Baseball Congress (AABC), Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA), Michigan Interscholastic Athletic Administrators Association (MIAAA), The Michigan Sports Sages, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Battle Creek Community Prayer Breakfast Committee member. Bernie was a well-known community supporter and a distinguished Chaplain for the semi-pro and minor league teams in town.

He was an avid golfer and took pride being a high school golf coach and a Ranger/Starter for multiple golf courses in the Greater Battle Creek Area. Bernie enjoyed spending time in the Word, studying bible verses. His family, grandchildren, and friends meant the world to him.

Bernie is survived by his wife, Joan; his children, Chris (Julie) Larson and Cam (Trish) Larson; 9 grandchildren; 1 great grandchild; his siblings, Del (Luann) Larson and Barb (Bruce) Coufal; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, his brother, Keith Larson, and step-father, Ingvald Bakken.
A celebration of life service is being planned for the weekend of May 15, 2021 (location TBD). Details will be forthcoming. Bernie’s remains will be buried at a family cemetery located in Audubon, MN.

In Lieu of Flowers, Memorial tributes may be made to the Pennfield Retired School Personnel by contacting the Battle Creek Community Foundation for more details.

Arrangements by the Bachman Hebble Funeral Service, a member by invitation Selected Independent Funeral Homes. (269) 965-5145 www.bachmanhebble.com