Bernard M. Letavish, age 81 of Big Rapids, passed away on September 25, 2010 at his home with his family at his side. He was born on May 25, 1929 in Barnesboro, PA to Michael and Elizabeth (Collinash) Letavish. With a one way ticket to Michigan, Bernie moved from his home in Pennsylvania to live with his sister Louise in 1948. He gained employment at Federal Screw Works and retired in 1994 as the Superintendant after 46 years. Bernie married Dorothy M. Drouillard in Windsor, Ontario, Canada on September 3, 1955 and they made their home in Lincoln Park, MI before moving to Big Rapids in 1980. Bernie was a faithful member of St. Mary's Catholic Church in Big Rapids. He was a crossword puzzle enthusiast and enjoyed gardening, woodworking, fishing, hunting, metal detecting, bluegrass and collecting coins. He looked forward to watching Bullwinkle, loved a good western and liked to listen to Johnny Cash. Most of all he was a devoted family man. Bernie is survived by his loving wife of 55 years Dorothy of Big Rapids; children, Charlene (Naim) Saiti of Riverview, MI, Joanne (Creighton) Wack of Toledo, OH and Timothy J. Letavish of Battle Creek; four grandchildren, Nicholas Appenfelder, Kali Appenfelder, Abigail Hunkins and Kira Saiti; one great-grandson, Michael Miller; three sisters, Louise Zrioka of Southgate, Elizabeth Bernecky of Cherrytree, PA and Maryann Kelly of Haddonfield, NJ; brother, Robert Letavish of Lanse, PA; brother-in-law, Steve Koluder of Kirtland, OH and many nieces, nephews and close friends. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents and a sister Regina Koluder. A Mass of Christian Burial will take place 11:00 a.m. Tuesday, September 28, 2010 at St. Mary's Catholic Church, 1009 Marion, Big Rapids, with Father Lam T. Le as Celebrant and Father David Gross as Con-Celebrant. The family will greet friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. concluding with a prayer service at 8:00 p.m. on Monday, September 27th at the Daggett-Gilbert Funeral Home in Big Rapids. Memorial contributions in Bernie's name may be made to St. Mary's Bell Tower Project and In House Hospice.