Bernardo Salas Jr.

Bernardo Salas Jr., age 94 of Grand Rapids, went to be with his Lord on Tuesday, June 12, 2018. He was preceded in death by his mother, Lina Moreno Salas; father, Bernard Salas Sr.; and the love of his life, Ninfa Salas. He will be lovingly remembered by his children, Dan Salas, Isabelle Salas; many grandchildren and great grandchildren; sisters, Mary Cadena and Angie Gutierrez. Born in San Antonio, TX, Bernardo spent most his younger/teenage years working on the fields in Michigan and returning to San Antonio for the winters. In 1945, he was drafted to serve in the U.S. Army in WWII Company B, 253rd Infantry Regiment, where he reached the rank of Corporal. During his service, he aided in a key battle where he earned a Bronze Star. Sadly, he became a POW for three months before being liberated by Patton’s 3rd Army, at which time, he returned to San Antonio where his “dancin’ and romancin’” style led him to the love of his life, Ninfa. The two lovebirds married and moved to Michigan to start their family, having two children. Sadly, the love of his life died when the children were very young in an accident. During such time he spent several years working hard in the Kelvinator/Electrolux factory, and eventually as a security guard for a large Jukebox company before retirement. He will be remembered for his joy he had for life, generous nature, fighting spirit, love of his country, hard-working attitude, and most importantly the love and loyalty he had for family. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 am on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at Immaculate Heart of Mary Catholic Church, 1935 Plymouth SE, Grand Rapids with Fr. Troy Nevins officiating. Interment Resurrection Cemetery. Relatives and friends may meet the family Monday from  6-8 pm at Matthysse-Kuiper-DeGraaf Funeral Home (Wyoming) 4031 Clyde Park SW, with a prayer service at 7:45pm. Contributions may be made to the funeral home to help defray funeral expenses or at Plumfund (https://www.plumfund.com/memorial-fund/bernardo-salas or search "Bernardo Salas" on the website's homepage), which directly supports veteran's families with financial assistance for funeral, burial, and estate expenses as a way to show respect and give thanks to those that courageously served our country.