Ralph Herbert Joseph Bernard, 72, of Rochester, passed away Monday, Nov. 14, 2016, at his residence. Ralph was born on Feb. 11, 1944, in Rochester, to Herbert V. and Marie G. (Dwyer) Bernard. As a young man, he was in the Navy and honorably discharged in October 1968. He then joined the Rochester Fire Department and eventually became a captain. He retired from the Rochester Fire Department Local 520, IAFF. During his time as a fireman, he farmed and bred Arabian horses in the Simpson and Rochester area for many years. After retiring, he lived in Siesta Key, Fla., Huntsville, Ala., and Rogers, Ark. He also enjoyed traveling and even went to Thailand. He returned to Rochester to enjoy his final years farming with his dear friend and fellow farmer, Joshua Harris. Ralph is survived by his two daughters, Cristen Alarie, of Fort Wayne, Ind., and Aimee Shimasaki, of Columbia City, Ind. He enjoyed time with his grandchildren, Luke Sprunger, Joshua Sprunger, Brooke Shimasaki and Erika Shimasaki. Also surviving are his former spouses, Nanci Bernard, of Rochester, and Diana Moore, of Warsaw, Ind. In addition, his sisters Mary Horsman, of Brainerd, Minn., and Dolores Bernard, of Rochester, survive. He is preceded in death by his parents and sisters, Rita Fix, Barbara Hartinger and an infant sister. He will be remembered as a generous dad, grandpa and loving friend. He will be greatly missed.  A private memorial service is planned.  Macken Funeral Home assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences are welcome at mackenfuneralhome.com.