Berny E. Cole

Berny E Cole, 95, of Vanderbilt Michigan, passed away peacefully at Aspen Ridge Assisted Care Facility in Gaylord on Tuesday, Feb 11, 2025.

Berny was born in Muskegon, Michigan on June 16,1929. Raised in Vanderbilt, Berny attended Vanderbilt Area Schools. 

On October 25, 1947, Berny was married to Wilma Jean Green. He later served in the U.S. Army in Korea from 1952-53, later returning home to Vanderbilt.

Berny was always working and held many jobs over the years. He retired after 33 years of service from H and H tube, driving truck for them. He was also a school bus driver for Vanderbilt Community Schools. Berny owned and operated Coles Sanitation and Coles Snowplowing. His trucks were a familiar site, with the saying “Berny and the Boys and our Gal Sal.”

In his spare time, Berny loved rabbit and deer hunting. He and Jean also enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, and motorcycle riding together. 

Berny served as the Corwith Township Fire Chief for several years, and on the Vanderbilt Village Council. He was also a member of the Vanderbilt Community Church. 

Berny was preceded in death by Jean, his wife of 66 years, in 2013. After her death, Berny lived the last 13 years with Phil and Sally. He was also preceded in death by his daughter-in-law, Linda Cole.

He is survived by his children, Randy Cole, Sally (Phil) Williams, Terry (Kathy) Cole, and Rick (Marilyn) Cole; nine grandchildren; several great grandchildren; and his dog Teddy. 

The family would like to thank Hospice of Michigan for their help, support, and loving care.

A service will be held in the spring at Evergreen Hill cemetery in Vanderbilt. 

Those who wish are asked to consider memorial contributions in his memory to Hospice of Michigan or Vanderbilt Community Church.

Please share your memories and personal messages with the family on the guestbook below.