John A. Bernauer

John Alois Bernauer was born on his parent's farm at Carmel, Saskatchewan December 2, 1921 and grew up in the Fulda area of Saskatchewan.

During the war years, John worked in logging camps and mines in Flin Flon, Manitoba and Northern Ontario. Then on October 30, 1945 he married Elizabeth Wegleitner and they farmed at St Gregor, Saskatchewan for five years. In 1951, John and Betty moved to Exshaw where John worked for Canada Cement (Lafarge) for 31 years.

After retiring, they moved to Armstrong, British Columbia where they enjoyed fishing and camping in the Okanogan. Betty passed away in 1990 and John met and married Muriel Scott in 1991. Muriel passed away in 2006 and John moved back to Exshaw to be closer to his family and to live with his daughter Bonita.

With failing health, John became a resident of St. Martha's Place in Banff in June of this year. He passed away peacefully November 16, 2010 surrounded by his family.

John is survived by eight children, Art (Sheila), Clarence (Denise), Veronica (Jim), Albert (Dolly), Gordon (Cindy), Gerard (Leah), Bonita (Kerry) and Donalda (Wade) as well as 22 grandchildren and 30 great grandchildren. John was predeceased by two brothers and one sister and also survived by four brothers and three sisters.

Funeral Mass was celebrated Monday, November 22, 2010 in Our Lady of the Rockies Catholic Church in Canmore. Cremation followed with interment of his urn in the Spring of 2011 at a family service in Armstrong, British Columbia.

In Lieu of flowers, friends wishing to remember John may make donations, in his memory to the charity of the donor's choice.

Services provided by Russ Reynolds and Bow River Funeral Service.