Bernard Mathias Jochum

Passed away peacefully in his home in Santa Barbara, CA, on August 10, 2014, at the age of 92, with his daughters by his side. Bernie was born to Mathias and Mary Jochum on July 17, 1922 in Chicago, IL, the eleventh of thirteen children. He graduated from Immaculate Conception High School before working as a file clerk for the Buick Motor Company. Drafted in 1942, Bernie served three years in the US Army during World War II, achieving the rank of Sargent. Following his honorable discharge, Bernie attended De Paul University in Chicago, graduating in 1949. While riding on a commuter train in Chicago, Bernie met and fell in love with his future bride, Mary Tuohy. The two were married on September 1, 1951. The couple lived in Chicago, IL, and later moved to Phoenix, AZ where they had three daughters, Mary, Judy and Ruth. In 1969 the family moved to Santa Barbara where Bernie worked for Raytheon, as a buyer, until his retirement in 1990. Bernie and his wife, Mary, were active parishioners at Saint Raphael's parish, in Goleta, for 45 years. He was involved in many community and church organizations including the Elks Lodge, Sociable Seniors, and the Knights of Columbus. In retirement Bernie discovered he had a green thumb, as was evidenced by the over 200 orchid plants growing in his yard. He also realized he had an aptitude for cooking, especially baking. Although he was of German decent, he was especially well known for the delicious Irish Soda bread he baked and donated every March for Saint Patrick's Day. His loving devotion to his family, his strong faith in God, his amusing sense of humor and his contagious smile will be missed by his many friends and family. Bernie was preceded in death by his wife Mary and their youngest daughter, Ruth. He is survived by his daughters, Mary and Judy, son-in-laws Chuck and Nick, grandchildren; George, Chris and Zoe, his sister Cecelia and many nieces and nephews. A rosary will be held at Welch-Ryce-Haider Funeral Chapel in Goleta at 6:30 pm on Friday, August 15th. A funeral mass will be held on Saturday, August 16th at 10:00 am at St Raphael?s parish with interment at Calvary Cemetery immediately following. A reception will follow these services at Saint Raphael's church hall. The family wishes to thank the caring and devoted home health aides from the Visiting Nurses Association, who lovingly referred to him as Mr. B, especially Marrisa, Laura, Teresa, and Dominic.

Bernard Mathias Jochum

July 17, 1922 - August 10, 2014