James Bertram Bernatz
Saturday, June 10, 1939
Date of Death:
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Age:
73 years old
Visitation
Date: Friday May 17, 2013
Time: 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Location: River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home [ view map ]
Second Visitation
Date: Saturday May 18, 2013
Time: 10:00 am - 11:00 am
Location: The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints [ view map ]
Funeral Service
Date: Saturday May 18, 2013
Time: 11:00 am
Location: The Church Of Jesus Christ Of Latter-Day Saints [ view map ]
Burial
Location: Calvary Cemtery (Austin, MN) [ view map ]
Saturday, June 10, 1939
Date of Death:
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Age:
73 years old
Saturday, June 10, 1939
Date of Death:
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
Age:
73 years old
James Bertram Bernatz
James Bertram Bernatz, 73, peacefully passed on to his heavenly home on May 15, 2013 with his family at his side. His death was caused by a malignant brain tumor. He was born to Donald and Frances Bernatz on June 10, 1939 in Austin, MN.
Upon graduation from Pacelli High School in 1957 he attended Austin Jr. College and graduated from the University of Minnesota in 1961 with a degree in Mortuary Science. He married Janette Mann of Hopkins, MN and accepted a position in Alaska where he became the manager of the Anchorage Funeral Chapel until 1963. He was named one of the Ten Most Promising Young Professionals in Alaska. He moved back to Austin in 1966 and was employed as a financial planner and continued in that field as a stockbroker at Loewi and Co., a NYSE firm in Austin, MN. A divorce followed.
In 1967 he married Carol Weydert and adopted her four children. The following year a son wasborn. They later divorced in 1978.
A marriage to Dorothy Lockrem in 1979 at Rochester preceded a move to Los Angeles where they owned and operated South Bay Patio and Playpen, an outdoor furniture store, until 1990. Upon moving back to Rochester they owned Timeless Treasures, an antique and collectibles business, for nine years until retirement. They were also co-directors of the Family History Center at their church for several years.
Jim enjoyed fishing, hunting, gourmet cooking, antiques, and being with his faithful dog, Jordan.
He was preceded in death by his parents, maternal and paternal grandparents, step-son Peter,aunts Marian Blais, Kay Spaelti, Eileen Lewis, Margaret Budahn; uncles Don Blais, Edsel Budahn, Edward Nolan, Roger Lewis, Walter Spaelti, and brother-in-law Marvin Curtis.
Survivors include his wife Dorothy, daughter Lori (Jeff) Loverink of Coon Rapids, MN; four sons Craig (Laurie) of Hendersonville, TN, Brad (Jen) of Marcola, OR, Scott (Tammy) of Mantorville, MN and Kevin (Laura) of Lewiston, ID; one step-daughter Diane (Dan) Schmidt of Waconia, MN; 18 grandchildren, 2 step-granddaughters; several great-grandchildren; four sisters Darlene Curtis of Salt Lake City, UT, Phyllis (Ron) Longtin of Reno, NV, JoAnne (Bob) King of Afton, WY, and Patricia Woodall of Sandy, UT; brother Terrance (Jody) of Rochester, MN; several nieces and nephews; uncle Joe Nolan and aunts Judy Nolan and Mary Jo Nolan of Austin, MN; and his faithful dog, Jordan Isaiah.
The funeral service will be at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints on Saturday, May 18th at 11:00AM. Visitation will be on Friday, May 17th in the River Park Chapel at Macken Funeral Home and also one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.
Interment will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Austin, MN later in the day.
Condolences
The family of James Bertram Bernatz has received the following condolences.
Hello Darlene, although you were Dottie to me when we lived on Grove street in Austin, MN. I tried to catch you while you were here in Austin on Sat. after our Church service about 5:40...but no luck. I was so sorry to read about Jim's passing. Have wondered for a long time where your Family had moved to. We are back in Austin now after being away for over 20 years. My husband was working for Hormels (he was a livestock buyer) and we moved several times. We have three children, two daughters and one son....6 grandsons and 5 great grand children. Oh how I would have loved to been able to visit with you. If you get this message, please write back to me. I go by our old house on Grove every so often and think of your family. Best wishes, Ann
Dear Dori,
It's sad to have lost Jimmy. He brought so much to his family; namely the Church. People like Jimmy recognize the truth when it is brought to them and then better yet, they share it with the ones they love. Jimmy remained faithful throughout his life. I have no doubt that the two of you will again be re-united.
I'm glad I had the opportunity to know him. Best of luck to you Dori.
Warmest Regards, Woody
It was a highlight of my life to have our final visit with my big brother. The look on his face when he saw his four sisters walk into his home and surprise him was priceless!!!!! His excitement for the adventure of what was on the other side was inspirational. Give Mom and Dad hugs and kisses from me.......TO BE CONTINUED.....Love Eternally, Pattie XOXOXO
Dearest Dory & family,
Isn't it wonderful to know Jim is surrounded with family & friends who knew & loved him ! What a reunion
it must be for those celebrating his return - wonder if angel food cake is part of the festivities ?
As Jim's favorite sister, I truly appreciated his quick-wit & rare sense of humor - it stayed with him to the
very end !! Dory, we admire you for your patience, love & endless sacrifices - YOU are a BLESSING to all
who know you - Our thoughts & prayers continue for you & your loved ones .........Love forever & a day,
Bob & JoAnne King
When I hear my Uncle's name I picture his infectious smile. I recall fishing trips, reunions, horse back riding and laughs. I remember him for being the most gracious of hosts. He will be missed.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Uncle Jim and family.
Love,
Tres, Nora, Tony & Kai Longtin
While I did not know Jim, I have many fond memories of the Bernatz kids at Hayfield Schools! May God bless the many fond memories you have of your dad! Frank Moon
Sharon and I send our condolences to all of you, Jim's family. Our daughter-in-law, Ann, is Joanne and Robert King's daughter. Ann kept us informed about her uncle's condition. We fondly recall our visits with Jim at those family "feeds" hosted by Ann and our son, Nathan. Jim was an enthusiastic conversationalist, aided, no doubt, by his many interests and occupational endeavours; he was a talented and respected fellow. We muse that "talent" came to those of us 50's high school grads! We were immortal! Our blessings to all. Peace everlasting. Sharon & Clark Toland, Austin, MN.
My sympathy to you on the death of Jim, who had been a student of mine when we were at St.A/Pacelli in Austin many years ago. I recall him and Darlene, his sister, from our years there. A very nice family, as I remember. I had not heard from them in all these years since. Jim's classmate, Nick Dinneen, informed me of his passing. I will not be able to attend his funeral, but will pray for him. Peace. Sr. Baylon, OSF
My sincere sympathy to family on the loss of a father and grandfather.
Though I knew Jim for just two last years of high school, anyone answering the bell at Pacelli and acknowledging a hello was a friend. Scanning his life through the obituary is a reminder of how quickly and profoundly our lives' paths diverged, the story of us all.
I honor his memory and will, in the manner of my own faith, ask monks of a monastery dear to me to join in a prayer of thanks for the life Jim shared with us.
My sincere sympathy to family on the loss of a father and grandfather.
Though I knew Jim for just two last years of high school, anyone answering the bell at Pacelli and acknowledging a hello was a friend. Scanning his life through the obituary is a reminder of how quickly and profoundly our lives' paths diverged, the story of us all.
I honor his memory and will, in the manner of my own faith, ask monks of a monastery dear to me to join in a prayer of thanks for the life Jim shared with us.