Bernard J. “Bernie” Schnipke

MILLER CITY – Bernard J. “Bernie” Schnipke, 83, of Miller City, passed away at 12:06 p.m., Wednesday, July 29, 2026, at Mercy Health St. Rita’s Medical Center, Lima surrounded by his loving family. He was born February 24, 1943, in Continental to the late Isidore and Bertha (Vennekotter) Schnipke. On September 11, 1965, he married Edna Schroeder, who survives in Miller City.

Other survivors include four children: Christine Hoffman of Glandorf, Patrick Schnipke, Catherine (Bernard) Niese and Nicholas (Rhonda) Schnipke, all of Miller City; eight grandchildren: Danielle Breece, Jordan Haughn, Rebecca Compton, Samantha Mounce, Zachary Hoffman, Nathaniel Hoffman, Tristan Niese and Quintin Niese; three step-grandchildren: Cole Dotson, Devin Pester and Lane Pester; eight great-grandchildren; four siblings: Jim (Jan) Schnipke, Mary Ann Schroeder, Larry (Julie) Schnipke and Izzy (Vickie) Schnipke; and three sisters-in-law, Sharon Schnipke, Deb Schnipke and Nancy Schnipke.

In addition to his parents, he was also preceded in death by four brothers: Jerome Schnipke, Frank Schnipke, David Schnipke and Gregory Schnipke; a brother-in-law, Gerald Schroeder; and a sister-in-law, Bernadette Schnipke.

Bernie was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp, who served during Vietnam. He retired as an electrician for GTE Sylvania and was the previous owner of BJ Auto Sales and Service. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus 3rd Degree, Ottawa Eagles, NIADA, Miller City American Legion, Miller City Sportsman Club and St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Miller City. Bernie loved his family beyond measure and will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved him.

Funeral Mass will begin at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, August 1, 2026, at St. Nicholas Catholic Church, Miller City with Fr. Stephen Schroeder officiating. Burial will follow in the church cemetery with military rites by Ottawa American Legion, VFW, Amvets and DAV. Visitation will be held from 2 to 8 p.m. on Friday, with a scripture service beginning at 1:45 p.m., as well as 9 to 10 a.m. on Saturday at LOVE FUNERAL HOME, Ottawa.

Memorial donations may be made to a charity of the donor’s choice.

Condolences may be expressed at www.loveheitmeyer.com