Bernard John Guenther

ROLLINGSTONEBernard "Bernie" John Guenther, 89 of Rollingstone, died Thursday, May 22, 2014 at Sauer Healthcare & Rehab in Winona.Bernie, the 2nd of 8 children, was born at home on January 4, 1925 in Oak Ridge to John Bernard and Rose Katherine (Kronebusch) Guenther. He graduated from Rollingstone Holy Trinity High School in 1943 and was inducted into the United States Army on May 3, 1945 where he served as a Radio Operator in Alaska. After being honorably discharged from the service, Bernie was united in marriage to Margaret Wegman on June 5, 1947. The couple lived in Rochester for two years, and in 1949, they moved to rural Rollingstone where they farmed and raised their eight children. Bernie worked for IBM for over 25 years in Rochester and retired in 1987. He was a hardworking farmer, master vegetable gardener, and a loving family man. Bernie enjoyed deer hunting, traveling, and eating sweets. From maintaining the Holy Trinity Cemetery to fixing the school, a majority of what Bernie accomplished was for the church. Before Margie passed away in 2009, Bernie proudly and lovingly cared for her for 5 years at their home.Bernie is survived by his eight children, Mary Kay Guenther of Rochester, Susan Mesch of Eagan, Peg (Paul) Kilkus of Winona, John (Deb) Guenther of Rollingstone, Tom (Kim) Guenther of Lakeville, Nancy (Alan) Schollmeier, Ron (Lisa) Guenther, and Kevin (Kristin) Guenther all of Rochester; 23 grandchildren; 2 step-grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren; 4 step-great-grandchildren; 4 brothers and sisters; and many other relatives and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Margie; and granddaughter, Becky Kilkus.Visitation will be from 5-8pm on Monday, May 26, 2014 at Holy Trinity Catholic Church in Rollingstone with a prayer service at 5pm. Funeral Mass will be 11am on Tuesday at church with visitation one hour prior. Interment will be in Holy Trinity Cemetery.Please share a memory of Bernie with his family and view his video tribute online at www.hofffuneral.com.
Tribute video can be found at: videos.lifetributes.com/494777