Submitted by: Dan Rich

Br. Bernard Gerard Platte CSC

July 11, 1934 - Dec. 11, 2002

South Bend Tribune 12/13/2002

Brother Bernard Gerard Platte, C.S.C., 68, died suddenly on Wednesday, Dec. 11, in Memorial Hospital, South Bend, Ind. He was born on July 11, 1934, in Grand Rapids, Mich., the son of Alfred Platte and Frances (Schmuker) Platte. One of ten children, he is survived by one brother, Frederick, and five sisters, Rose Kline, Sister Margaret Platte, R.S.M., Sister Donna Platte, D.O.S.F., Marie Straus and Dorothy Grimsley.

Brother Bernard attended school in Grand Rapids before joining Holy Cross at Watertown, Wis., in September 1950, where he completed his high school education. He received the habit of the brothers at Rolling Prairie, Ind., on Aug. 15, 1952, pronounced temporary vows on Aug. 16, 1953, and perpetual vows on Aug. 16, 1956.

Brother Bernard began his active ministry at St. Joseph Novitiate Farm in Rolling Prairie, and later moved to St. Joseph Farm in Granger, Ind. In 1967 he was assigned to Holy Trinity High School, Chicago, Ill., where he spent 11 years in building and plant maintenance. Brother Bernard returned to Notre Dame, Ind., in 1978, where he remained until his death. During this time, Brother Bernard generously spent himself in the service of the Brothers of Holy Cross by maintaining in excellent condition the community's automobiles. Brother Bernard served also as assistant director of the Brothers community at the Holy Cross Brothers Center from 1979 to 1991.

Visitation will begin at noon Saturday, Dec. 14, in St. Joseph Chapel, Holy Cross Village at Notre Dame, 54515 State Road 933. A Mass of the Resurrection will follow at 1:30 p.m. with burial immediately afterward at St. Joseph Cemetery on the village grounds. The Kaniewski Funeral Home is handling arrangements.