January 14, 1943 – February 7, 2023

Bernard “Bernie” John Bleyenburg, 80 of Chino, California, went to be with his heavenly father on February 7, 2023, while being surrounded by his wife and children. 

A visitation for Bernie will be held Thursday, February 23, 2023, 9:00 a.m. at Crosspoint Church in Chino, followed by a funeral service at 10:00 a.m., then ending with a reception.

He is survived by his wife of 32 years, Peggy Bleyenburg; children, Bruce Nicolson, Shelly Ramos, Christine Bleyenburg, Matt Schwartz, and Brian Schwartz; 9 grandchildren, 6 great-grandchildren; siblings, Arlene Hulstein, Art and Rose Bleyenburg, Claris and Collen Bleyenburg, Jim and Janis Lanting, Henry  and Judy Bleyenburg, Larry and Lila Bleyenburg, and Denny and Aud Bleyenburg; and many nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends that meant a great deal to him. 

He was preceded in death by his parents, Cora  and Dick Bleyenburg, his sisters, Esther, Gladys May, and Gladys Gertrude Bleyenburg; and a grandson, Elijah Schwartz.

Bernie was a very active person who loved sharing stories of his life experiences and who put his family and faith above all else. He had an adventurous spirit, a love of nature and animals and was a master general contractor and builder.

Sixty years ago, Bernie and his friends packed up in an old car and headed west. With no money in his pocket his journey ended in California since his Aunt Allie Tillema lived here. Soon after arriving, he picked up a job in construction and began a family in Rancho Cucamonga, later moved to the neighboring city of Chino. Once in Chino, Bernie began playing softball, a love he passed down to his children and grandchildren. He also began building his first cabin in Wrightwood, Calif. Bernie began his construction company B and B Construction in Huntington Beach and later changed the name to Allied Construction, building one home remodel after the next in the neighborhood of Turtle Rock, Irvine. He prided himself on getting jobs without advertising and his reputation and word of mouth. After his partner retired from Allied Construction, he, with his son Matt, became Allied Builders. Bernie became a well-respected and sought after master builder throughout Southern California because of his work ethic and personality (and the personality of his son, Bruce). With Peggy at his side and two sons that had started building alongside him, Bernie built his second cabin in Wrightwood that would become the hub for many family gatherings and hikes up the wash. At all these gatherings, we could always expect his famous and “award winning” salsa.

In his faith, Bernie was always available to lend his building skills and faith in Jesus to help out others. He served as a deacon at his church, and on the board of Salem Christian Home. He traveled to Mexico helping lead the youth at Crosspoint Church on multiple trips to help build housing for those in need. There are countless stories from friends, families, and strangers of his generosity and help.