Elaine Joyce (Sommer) Bernard

Elaine J. Bernard, age 87 of Cheboygan, Michigan, passed away March 28, 2026, at The Brook of Cheboygan. She was born June 22, 1938, in Petoskey, the daughter of Raymond and Maxine (Miller) Sommer.

She grew up in Mackinaw City and was a proud graduate of Mackinaw City High School. On September 19, 1959, she married Bruce L. Bernard in Cheboygan, beginning a lifelong partnership centered on family and faith.

Elaine was known for her exceptional talent in knitting, creating beautiful afghans and sweaters for her loved ones, as well as numerous prayer shawls that she lovingly donated to her church community.

A devoted member of St. Thomas Lutheran Church, Elaine faithfully served by helping assemble the church newsletter for mailing and dedicated many years of service to the St. Thomas Food Pantry.

She is survived by her daughters, Brenda (Ron) Neuman and Sandra (Chris) Miller; several grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and nieces and nephews; her sister, Sherry (David) Paquet; and her sisters-in-law, Rose Sommer and Imogene Leik.

Elaine was preceded in death by her husband, Bruce; her parents, Raymond and Maxine (Miller) Sommer; her two brothers, Dennis and Chuck Sommer; her brothers-in-law, Jerry Bernard and David Leik; and her sister-in-law, Jeannette Bernard.

A committal service will be led by Pastor Dave Hueter at Pinehill Cemetery June 23, 2026 at 1:00pm.

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