Bernard Francis "Bernie" Oakes Jr., age 92, passed away on March 13, 2023 in Traverse City. He was born in Lincoln, Nebraska on July 14, 1930 to the late Bernard F. and Florence (Wittwer) Oakes.

Bernie was a 1952 graduate of Grinnell College in Grinnell, IA. He proudly served his country in the United States Marine Corps. Bernie followed up his formal education as a 2nd lieutenant with the Marines. He was a ceremonial Platoon leader in Washington D.C., then a guard commander at Camp David under President Eisenhower. He was honorably discharged with the rank of Captain.

Bernie retired in 1987 after thirty-one years of employment with IBM. He moved to Traverse City in 1989 from Rockville, MD, with his longtime companion, Wilhelmina "Billie" Frost, she survives him. Bernie was a local legend on the shuffleboard courts of the Traverse City Senior Center. He entertained those around him with his impeccable and witty storytelling skills. He was Bernard Francis Oakes Jr., known as Bernie to his friends and "Boppo" to his grandchildren.

In addition to his loving companion Billie, Bernie is survived by a son, Stephen (Olivia) Oakes; daughter, Barbara (Terry) Durbin; three grandchildren, Kristy, Craig and David; and four great-grandchildren, Victoria, Jackson, Makayla and Olivia.

He was preceded in death by his parents; a brother, Charles; a sister, Marian; and a granddaughter, Cheryl.

In accordance with Bernie's wishes cremation has taken place.

A celebration of Bernard's life will take place from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at Old Mission American Legion Post 399, 4001 Swaney Rd, Old Mission, MI 49673.

Military Honors will be conducted, at 1:00 p.m., under the auspices of the U.S. Marine Corps, Cherryland V.F.W. Post 2780 and American Legion Post 35.

Those planning an expression of sympathy may wish to consider a memorial donation to Disabled American Veterans – www.dav.org .

Please feel free to share your thoughts and memories with Bernie's family at his tribute page at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com .