John Bernhardt

John M. Bernhardt, age 92, of Cassville, passed away peacefully on Sunday, May 17, 2015, at Orchard Manor Nursing Home surrounded by his family. He was born on October 20, 1922, in Cassville, the son of Dr. Lawrence B. and Ila M. (Eckstein) Bernhardt. John graduated from Cassville High School and was drafted into the United States Army in 1942. He served his country until his honorable discharge in 1946 with the rank of Sergeant. John was united in marriage to Phyllis Nies on July 5, 1945. After his discharge, John returned to Cassville and worked as a mortician. He later did carpentry work and was employed at Dairyland Power for over ten years. John and his two brothers, Dr. Bernard and James, began Bernhardt Brothers Tug Boat Service which they later sold and started Bernhardt Marine Service. These two businesses demonstrated John's great love for the Mississippi River and were very successful, employing over 400 employees. After the sale, John and his son Robert, began Bernhardt Machine and Welding. They operated this business until John's retirement in 1995.

John enjoyed woodworking, photography and golf. He dedicated his time and talent to St. Charles Catholic Church and School. John had a wonderful sense of humor and will be dearly missed by all who had the pleasure of meeting him.

Survivors include his daughter, Mary Ila (Chris) Esser, Cassville; his sons: Mark (Eva) Bernhardt, Moline, IL; Lawrence (Donna) Bernhardt, Cassville; Robert (Sue) Bernhardt, Cassville; Joe (Kris) Bernhardt, Lacrosse; 11 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren; a sister, Rosemary (Gerald-deceased) Dresen, Lancaster; a sister-in-law, Jane (Dr. Bernard-deceased) Bernhardt, Cassville; many nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to his parents, John was preceded in death by his wife, Phyllis, his brother, Dr. Bernard Bernhardt and his brother and sister-in-law, James (Julie) Bernhardt.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Friday, May 22, 2015, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville with Father John Meinholz officiating. Burial with military honors was in St. Charles Cemetery, Cassville. Family and friends called on Thursday, May 21, 2015, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church, where a 3:45 p.m. prayer service was held. Friends also called on Friday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church. Martin Funeral Home & Cremation Services in Cassville is serving the family.