Bernard J. Bazzett

Bernard J. “Buzz” Bazzett, 84, passed away April 13, 2014 in peaceful surroundings at home with his loving wife and family at his side. He was born on July 25, 1929 in Moline, Michigan, son of the late Juda and Mary (nee: Ellis) Bazzett. He served with pride in the US Army during the Korean War, 1950-52, and was stationed at Camp McCoy in Wisconsin. Bernard was married to Mary Anne Pawloski, in Hilliards, Michigan on October 1, 1955 in St. Stanislaus Catholic Church. Bernard spent most of his life in Traverse City, Michigan where he and Mary raised their eight children. He had a successful career with General Motors Acceptance Corporation as Sales Supervisor, retiring in 1991 after 36 years. He was an absolute family man that loved his wife, children and grandchildren. He enjoyed being an outdoors sportsman, hunting and fishing in the Michigan woodlands, cheering on the Tigers and Lions, and amusing everyone with his quick-witted humor. He was involved in his community and was an active and faithful member of St. Francis Catholic Church in Traverse City. Bernard is survived by his loving wife, Mary, their children Christine (Ben Hansen) Bazzett of Traverse City, Michigan, Brian Bazzett of Naperville, Illinois, Eric (Bernadette) Bazzett of Uxbridge, Massachusetts, Joseph Bazzett of Minneapolis, Minnesota, Terence (Anastasia) Bazzett of Caledonia, New York, Maureen (Chris) Potter of Mt. Pleasant, Wisconsin, Denise (Casey) Hill of Bay City, Michigan, Lisa (Emerson) Matabele of New Orleans, Louisiana, 16 grandchildren, 5 great-grandchildren, as well as many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his 4 brothers and their wives, Ellis (Daisy), Donald (Isabel), Kenneth (Clarice), and LaVerne (Frances). A Memorial Mass will be held at St. Francis Catholic Church on Monday, May 12, at 11:00 a.m. with Rev. Kenneth Stachnik officiating. All are invited to visit with the family in the church from 10:00 a.m. until the time of the mass and to join them for a luncheon at the church afterwards. Interment and military honors will follow at Oakwood Catholic Cemetery in Traverse City. Memorials may be made to St. Francis Catholic Church or to your local Salvation Army. The Bazzett family expresses their heartfelt gratitude to the staff of Wheaton Franciscan Hospice and of All Saints Hospital for their compassionate care and kindness shown to Bernard and the entire Bazzett family. May God Bless You All. Please share your memories with the family by way of Bernard’s online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com. The family is being served locally by the Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services.

Bernard J. Bazzett

July 25, 1929 - April 13, 2014