Knute A. Bernard

Leetonia - Knute A. Bernard, 29, died suddenly at St. Elizabeth's Hospital, Youngstown, on Friday, January 27 at 10:00 p.m.

Knute was born January 16, 1983 in Salem, the son of Vincent and Jane Huffnagle Bernard. He was baptized at St. Patrick's Catholic Church, Leetonia, and lived in the area all his life.

Knute was a 2001 graduate of Leetonia High School and the Columbiana Career Center. He was employed as a laborer at Jamestown Industries of Youngstown. He loved cooking, fishing, hunting and anything outdoors, and was a past member of the Leetonia Sportsman's Club. He enjoyed spending time with family and friends, especially his best friend, Shawn Taylor and his dogs, Fifi and Libby. Knute loved taking care of and was very good with little kids.

He is survived by his mother, Jane (Harold) Franklin of Damascus; his father, Vincent (Debbie Burgy) Bernard of Columbiana; his sister, Whitney Bernard of Miami, FL; his grandparents, Bob and Annabelle Huffnagle of Leetonia; his uncles, Tony Bernard of Columbiana and Darryl (Helen) Huffnagle of Beaumont, TX; his aunts, Debbie (Tom) Knopp of Salem and Joyce (Clayton) Ayers of Beaumont, TX; and many much loved cousins.

He was preceded in death by his grandparents, Anthony and Josephine Bernard and many special aunts and uncles.

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. Thursday, February 2, 2012 at the Woods-Rettig Funeral Home, Leetonia, with Father Robert Edwards and Pastor Kari Lankford officiating. Friends may call at the funeral home from 4-9 p.m. on Wednesday.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be given to Angels for Animals of Canfield or the Family Recovery Center of Columbiana County.