Obituary of Bernard Lee Hatch

Bernard Hatch, 82, of Dowagiac, passed away on Friday, May 17, 2013 at his residence with his family by his side. Bernard Hatch was born on July 31, 1930 in Sheffield, Iowa to the late Stanley and Mary (McCutcheon) Hatch. On February 23, 1952 he married the love of his life Diane (Greenwood) Hatch at a ceremony in Dowagiac. They were married for 62 years. He was preceded in death by his parents and two brothers, Virgil Hatch and Dennis Hatch. Bernie is survived by his wife, four sons; Rodney Hatch, Mark Hatch, Kim Hatch and Brent (Shannon) Hatch, daughter Penny (Roger) Elliott all of Dowagiac, five grandchildren; Aaron Hatch, Nicole Marie Hatch, Zachary Hatch, Grant Hatch and Rachel Elizabeth Hatch, two brothers, Bob (Terrie) Hatch of Niles and Pete (Sharon) Hatch of California; two sisters-in-law Nancy Hatch and Debbie Hatch, both of Niles, and several nieces and nephews. Bernie enjoyed golfing, fishing, and spending time with his grandchildren. He pitched for the Dowagiac Falstaff softball team, who won the 1961 State Championship. In keeping with Bernie's wishes, cremation has taken place and there will be a memorial service on Tuesday, May 21, 2013 at 1:00 pm with a time of visitation one hour prior at Brown Funeral Home with Rev. Glen Hosey officiating. A private interment will be held at Mission Hills Memorial Gardens at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family would like donations be made to Hospice at Home, 4025 Health Park Lane, St. Joseph, Michigan 49085.