As received from the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home. If you have questions about, or potential corrections to the content, please contact the funeral home directly.
Bernard (Bernie) Donald Alkire, PhD, PE, age 86, of Houghton, Michigan, passed away on April 25, 2026, at Gardenview in Calumet, Michigan. He was born June 3, 1939, in Carp River, Michigan, to Howard and Dorothy Alkire of St. Ignace, Michigan, both of whom preceded him in death.
Bernie earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering from Michigan Technological University in 1961. Following graduation, he served for two years in the United States Army as a Lieutenant. He then spent five years with the Michigan Department of State Highways as a Highway and Bridge Design Engineer. Bernie went on to earn both a Master of Science and a PhD in Civil Engineering from Michigan State University.
In 1971, Bernie returned to Michigan Technological University, where he would spend the next 40 years as a member of the faculty in the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Geospatial Engineering. During his academic career, he taught a wide range of courses in geotechnical engineering, materials, and transportation engineering. He retired in 2011 as Professor Emeritus.
Bernie was deeply engaged in research and professional service throughout his career. He served on numerous American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) committees and was editor of the Journal of Cold Regions Engineering. His scholarly work was widely published, including in Géotechnique, Journal of Glaciology, and the Transportation Research Record.
One of Bernie’s most lasting professional contributions was his instrumental role in bringing the Transportation Technology Transfer Center—now known as the Center for Technology and Training (CTT)—to Michigan Tech in 1988, followed later by the Tribal Technical Assistance Program. Today, the CTT continues to thrive, providing assistance to more than 400 agencies across Michigan in managing their roadway assets.
After retirement, Bernie pursued many interests, including studying the German language, traveling abroad, creating art, reading, and, most of all, spending time with his family. He was often seen walking with his children and grandchildren. In his spare time, he wrote a book about growing up in St. Ignace titled Bernie’s Life; or, The Memories of a Free-Range Child.
Bernie married Patricia Kathryn McGrath on May 28, 1966. They shared 59 wonderful years together before her.
Bernie is survived by his three daughters: Theresa (Jeff) Frantti, Linda (Mike Van Bergen) Alkire, and Beth (Matt) Beams; his grandchildren: Brian (Stefanie Heine) Alkire, Emily (James Candy) Kinnunen, and Lila and Leah Frantti; his great-grandson, Mikko Candy; and his siblings: Gary (Ingrid) Alkire, Brenda (Paul) Nelson, Tom (Barb) Alkire, Mary Alkire, and Mark (Sanki) Alkire.
Bernie was a licensed Professional Engineer and a longtime member of the American Society of Civil Engineers. He will be remembered for his dedication to education, service to his profession, love of learning, and deep devotion to his family.
A Celebration of Life service will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Thursday, April 30, 2026 at the O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock. Friends may call at the funeral home for an hour before services. Interment will take place later at Forest Hill Cemetery in Houghton.
To leave online condolences please go to www.oneilldennisfh.com. The O’Neill-Dennis Funeral Home in Hancock is assisting with the arrangements. In lieu of other expressions of sympathy, please consider donations to the MTU Civil Engineering Scholarship Fund.
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