Legacy Project
Article by Archivist Br. Lawrence Stewart

December 11th

Brother Bernard Gerard Platte, C.S.C.

Bernard was born in Grand Rapids, MI. He attended elementary school there and he completed his high school education at Sacred Heart College in Watertown, WI, when he entered Holy Cross in 1950. After his novitiate year, his first assignment was to serve with the agricultural work at St. Joseph Novitiate Farm in Rolling Prairie, IN, where he worked for 2 years. He was then assigned to St. Joseph Farm in Granger, IN, where he continued his maintenance and farming skills for 10 years. In 1967 he joined the staff at Holy Trinity High School in Chicago, IL, as chief of building and plant maintenance for 11 years. Bernard returned to Notre Dame in 1978 to join the staff and was responsible for the maintenance and upkeep of the fleet of automobiles that the brothers had at Notre Dame. Bernard lived for 12 years at the Brothers' Center and was assistant director of the community. He moved to Columba Hall for the next 6 years, continuing his skill in providing the care for automobiles of the community as well as offering assistance on occasion to the students at Holy Cross College. There didn't appear to be any job that was too difficult for Bernard to tackle since he had the size and strength to handle most any. He always provided assistance to the other brothers on the staff (Richard Weber and Florian Gill) when their needs required his help. Bernard passed away suddenly from a heart condition while he was at work. His talents, cheerful smile, and personality are missed by all.