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Bernard "Bernie" David Etzkorn, born June 23, 1922, passed away April 25, 2009 in Huntsville, Alabama where he and his wife had retired, so that they could be with his eldest son. Bernie was born the eldest of three children to Oscar Bernard Etzkorn and Margerite Riley, the owners of Etzkorn Orchard in Monitor Washington. He served in the US Army infantry during WWII and was stationed in Europe. He survived his fellow platoon and was placed in the German POW camp at Use Dom, Poland. He returned to University of Washington and was graduated in 1949 with a civil engineering degree and began working for the US Forestry Service as an engineer, serving both in Oregon, Colorado and New Mexico. On September 24, 1955 he married his surviving wife Eileen Van Garvin. He leaves behind his five children: David Bernard Etzkorn, 52; Ann Marie Duran, 49; Paul Martin Etzkorn 48; Daniel Douglas Etzkorn, 47; and James Phillip Etzkorn, 43. Bernie is survived by his Sister Marie Brockway of Lake Forest Park, Washington and his brother, Rudolph, "Rudy" Etzkorn of Monitor, Washington. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Patricia Ruth Etzkorn age 28, Maria Jane Jones, age 28, Christopher David Etzkorn age 24 and Elizabeth Rose Etzkorn age 20. Bernie retired from the US Forest Service after 37 years of service. He loved to travel and to take photographs. Bernie spent a lifetime volunteering for his church and with the charity organization St Vincent de Paul. He was acknowledged by the Red Cross with an award. Bernie was the type of individual who was gentle, tolerant , patient and kind with all that crossed his path. He moved with the times and many will remember him as the quiet helpful hero he is. Bernie's presence will be sorely missed by family and friends. His Memorial Service will take place May 2, 2009 at St Joseph Community Catholic Church 2300 Beasley Ave. NW Huntsville, Alabama at 11:00 a.m. Family are asking in lieu of flowers for a contribution to St Vincent de Paul.
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