Bernard Ivin

Bernard Ivin, 84 of Shelby Twp., Michigan, born to eternal life April 16, 2019 surrounded by his family. Survived by his loving wife of 61 years, Hildegard and their two daughters, Daniela Grisak and Jana (Carl) Deering. Five cherished grandchildren, Nikolas and Matthew Grisak, Natalie, Evan, and Karina Deering. Also survived by many nieces and a nephew in Slovakia. Preceded in death by Anna Matieskova, mother and Janka Kolarikova, sister. He will be deeply missed by his family and friends. Bernard Ivin was born April 11, 1935, during WWII in a village called Čavoj in the district of Prievidza. His mother's name was Anna Matieskova (nee Ivinova) and Bernard was the second child of a household of 8 children raised in a tiny village of Temeš. After primary school he left as a 15year old for Skilled Trades schooling in Welding and Machine Repair living in a dormitory. At 17 he was drafted into the CzechoSlovak army serving in Kosice. After service in the Army he came to live in Bratislava with his older sister Janka where he met and married the love of his life Hildegard in 1958. They welcomed two daughters Daniela and Jana while he was employed as a welder. He enjoyed attending soccer matches and rifle target practice. Picking mushrooms in nearby woods was his passion and he always lent a hand in the small vineyard at his in-laws. After repeated difficulties with the communist regime for refusing to join the communist party and leading his family in the Catholic faith, he took his family to Vienna, Austria on September 29th 1969. During 6 months spent in Vienna, Bernard and his family met Rev. Elemir J. Mikuš who became their lifelong friend and pastor. They arrived in New York in February 1970. The following year Fr. Mikuš arrived in Detroit and became pastor at SS Cyril & Methodius and the Slovak church became Bernard’s second home. The beginnings were very hard while he started employment at Massey Fergusson then Chrysler. Bernard, after many years then retired from General Motors in 2002. His retirement winters were spent in warm Florida with other 'snowbird' Slovaks. During his life in the U.S. he enjoyed time gardening and his fruit trees, experiments in cooking, and good times with friends and family whom he loved dearly. He especially loved his grandchildren; Nikolas, Matthew, Natalie, Evan and Karina. It is with certainty he leaves us with "God be with you"... "Z Bohom" Visitation April 22 from 3-8pm, Rosary Service 6pm at E.J. Mandziuk & Son (Sterling Heights Chapel), 3801 18 Mile (at Ryan), 586-997-3838. Funeral April 23 at SS. Cyril & Methodius Church, 41233 Ryan Rd: In-state 11am - Holy Mass 12pm.

Bernard Ivin

April 11, 1935 - April 16, 2019