Dr. Bernard (Bernie) Malachiose Coelho, 85, passed away peacefully on January 1, 2020 surrounded by family.

The youngest of three boys, Bernie was born to Bernard and Mary Coelho in Kochi, India on November 3, 1934. He spent his formative years and early adulthood in-and-around Kochi building his family and career. He studied at both Maharajas College in Ernakulam and Trivandrum Medical College. In 1972, he moved to Minnesota and was in time joined by then wife, Sheba, and their three young children: Barney, Sonia and Tanya. Their fourth child, Cindy, was born later in the US. Bernie specialized in psychiatry and spent his career working at Anoka Metro Regional Treatment Center and Mercy Hospital in Coon Rapids. On Sept 23, 1995, Bernie married Elaine DeBlieck and gained three more children by way of marriage: Justin, Jason, and Jared. Bernie and Elaine went on to travel the world together, explore the Midwest in their camper, and watch the children and grandchildren of their combined families grow.

Bernie was a man of many talents. Most notable was his love of photography. He became very well known for this with multiple photos published in Indian national magazines, such as Illustrated Weekly. In addition, he was also a master of Indian cuisine, a botanist, a music lover, a connoisseur of Brandy Manhattans, a gadget buff, a scooter-rider, and, to some, a sit-down comedian. He was intelligent, kind, and generous, as well as a wonderful father, stepfather, and grandfather. Bernie had a huge heart and freely expressed compassion and love for those around him. His family takes comfort in knowing that the physical suffering he endured at the end of his life is finally over and he has been welcomed lovingly by his brothers on the other side. Bernie was truly one of a kind. He touched the lives of many. His legacy lives on in those who loved him and he will be forever missed.

Bernie is survived by wife Elaine; son Barney (Jen); daughters Sonia, Tanya (Scott), and Cindy (Rich); stepsons Justin (Lindsey), Jason (Lynzie), and Jared (Diana); grandchildren Allison, Luke, Freddie, Mira, Jonah, Xander, Savannah, Sawyer, and Hank; nieces Louella, Sandra, Belinda, and their families. He was preceded in death by his parents and brothers Joe and Christopher.

On Tuesday, January 7, 2020 a 10am visitation, followed by an 11am service and lunch, will be held at St. Stephen's Catholic Church, 525 Jackson St. Anoka. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Children's Minnesota.

Thurston-Lindberg Funeral Home - Anoka - 763-421-0220 - www.thurston-lindberg.com