Bernard J. Schatz, 81, of Lewiston, victoriously won the race of his lifetime when he finished his earthly course on Thursday, June 27, 2024, at St. Joseph Regional Medical Center in Lewiston due to congestive heart failure.
Born the first time on July 26, 1942, in Lewiston to John and Maria (Pederson) Schatz, he joined his older twin brothers Jacob and Victor Schatz and later became the “big” little brother to Marcia (Schatz) Lenker.
Bernard attended Lewiston schools and graduated from Lewiston High School in 1961. He attended Lewis-Clark State College.
Bernard married his sweetheart Linda (Riley) Schatz on Dec. 27, 1963. Together they were on the same crew for over 60 years. Added to this crew of two were Angie (Bobby) O’Harra, Darcy (Mark) Walker, Brook (Valerie) Schatz and Chad Schatz. The crew expanded further with the addition of 12 grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren. The crew is expecting the arrival of an additional two members in the coming months.
Bernard’s second birth and life transformation took place in 1968, when he gave his life to Jesus and entered the race for Heaven. He was a charter member of the Lewiston Bible Missionary Church.
Bernard enjoyed owning and operating Bernard’s Towing and Central Grade Auto Parts over 54 years.
Join us as we remember and celebrate the life of Bernie, BJ, Dad, Gramps and Papa Gigi. The celebration of life will take place at 1 p.m. Friday, July 12 at Vassar-Rawls Funeral Home, 920 21st Ave., Lewiston.