Donald Joseph Bernskoetter
January 7, 1942 ~ November 27, 2019
Donald Joseph Bernskoetter, 77, of Taos, passed away Wednesday, November 27, 2019, at his residence.
He was born January 7, 1942, in Taos, Missouri, the son of the late Leo Henry and Eleonora (Rackers) Bernskoetter.
He was a 1960 graduate of Fatima High School in Westphalia, Missouri.
Don served in the United States Army Reserves from May of 1960 to January of 1964.
He was united in marriage on October 17, 1964, in Osage Bend to Georgene Mary Bisges who survives at the home.
Don worked for Wilfrid Bernskoetter Plumbing and Eno Wolters Plumbing. In 1983, Don started his own plumbing business, Don Bernskoetter Plumbing, which he owned and operated until 2017. He continued to assist in the daily business until he passed.
He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos where he served as an usher, was on the parish council and a member of the Taos Knights of Columbus. Don was also a member of the Home Builders Association. He enjoyed hunting, golfing, fishing, going to the casino, grilling for his family, and watching the St. Louis Cardinals. Most of all, Don enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and riding his Can-Am to check the cows.
His family includes; his wife, Georgene Bernskoetter, Taos; six children, Joseph Leo Bernskoetter (deceased); Mark (Tonya) Bernskoetter, Taos; Pam (Don) Eskens, Taos; Vicki (Darrell) Wilbers, Taos; Eric (Kerri) Bernskoetter, Taos; Jessica (Bryan) Anderson, Taos; and fourteen grandchildren, Nicole Bernskoetter, Brett Skinner, Garrett Eskens, Payton Bernskoetter, Seth Eskens, Ryan Wilbers, Joey Bernskoetter, Abbey Eskens, Macyn Wilbers, Landry Bernskoetter (deceased), Jadyn Anderson, Riley Bernskoetter, Reagan Bernskoetter, and Ellie Anderson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Joseph Leo Bernskoetter; one granddaughter, Landry Bernskoetter; two sisters, Lucy Ann Hudspeth, Lorine Kempker; and one brother, Wilfrid Bernskoetter.
Visitation will be 3:30-6 p.m. Sunday, December 1, 2019, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos with a prayer service at 3 p.m. Additional visitation will be 9-10 a.m. Monday at the church.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with the Rev. Michael W. Penn officiating.
Burial will be in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church or Birthright.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
He was born January 7, 1942, in Taos, Missouri, the son of the late Leo Henry and Eleonora (Rackers) Bernskoetter.
He was a 1960 graduate of Fatima High School in Westphalia, Missouri.
Don served in the United States Army Reserves from May of 1960 to January of 1964.
He was united in marriage on October 17, 1964, in Osage Bend to Georgene Mary Bisges who survives at the home.
Don worked for Wilfrid Bernskoetter Plumbing and Eno Wolters Plumbing. In 1983, Don started his own plumbing business, Don Bernskoetter Plumbing, which he owned and operated until 2017. He continued to assist in the daily business until he passed.
He was a member of St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos where he served as an usher, was on the parish council and a member of the Taos Knights of Columbus. Don was also a member of the Home Builders Association. He enjoyed hunting, golfing, fishing, going to the casino, grilling for his family, and watching the St. Louis Cardinals. Most of all, Don enjoyed spending time with his family and friends and riding his Can-Am to check the cows.
His family includes; his wife, Georgene Bernskoetter, Taos; six children, Joseph Leo Bernskoetter (deceased); Mark (Tonya) Bernskoetter, Taos; Pam (Don) Eskens, Taos; Vicki (Darrell) Wilbers, Taos; Eric (Kerri) Bernskoetter, Taos; Jessica (Bryan) Anderson, Taos; and fourteen grandchildren, Nicole Bernskoetter, Brett Skinner, Garrett Eskens, Payton Bernskoetter, Seth Eskens, Ryan Wilbers, Joey Bernskoetter, Abbey Eskens, Macyn Wilbers, Landry Bernskoetter (deceased), Jadyn Anderson, Riley Bernskoetter, Reagan Bernskoetter, and Ellie Anderson.
He was preceded in death by his parents; an infant son, Joseph Leo Bernskoetter; one granddaughter, Landry Bernskoetter; two sisters, Lucy Ann Hudspeth, Lorine Kempker; and one brother, Wilfrid Bernskoetter.
Visitation will be 3:30-6 p.m. Sunday, December 1, 2019, at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church in Taos with a prayer service at 3 p.m. Additional visitation will be 9-10 a.m. Monday at the church.
Mass of Christian Burial will be 10 a.m. Monday at St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church with the Rev. Michael W. Penn officiating.
Burial will be in St. Francis Xavier Catholic Cemetery.
Memorials are suggested to St. Francis Xavier Catholic Church or Birthright.
Dulle-Trimble Funeral Home is in charge of the arrangements.
Those wishing to email tributes or condolences to the family may do so at the www.dulletrimble.com website.
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So sorry to hear about your loss
We are so sorry for your loss . We will keep your family in our thoughts and prayers. May he Rest In Peace for a life well lived . Dennis, Shirley and Treaver Woehr
Our sincere sympathy to the Family. May the Lord console you in the days to follow. We will pray for you. Bernie and Marian Forck
I am saddened to learn of Donnie’s passing. He was a really kind and considerate person. My heart and prayers goes out to the entire family during this most difficult time in your life. John Heckemeyer
Keeping The Bernskoetter Family in our thoughts & prayers…with deepest sympathy from Debbie (The Late Louie) Branson & Family
My deepest sympathy to Georgene and family. Donnie was a really great guy. I enjoyed many many Sunday afternoons of golf with Donnie and our golf group. It never seemed to bother him much when one of his golf shots would find the tall weeds. He really just enjoyed being out on the course, and amongst family and friends. Just a super nice fellow. I feel very fortunate to have known him.
A craftsman extraordinaire I must say And a humbling family man and friend to many Don lived life to the fullest each and every day A true gentleman was his life’s lot His soft and comforting voice of reason Put others at ease and he gave more than he got That kind-hearted smile and shimmer in his eye Are what many remember most about him For it is what defined Don for you and I But now he has made his journey to the other side Surrounded by peace and tranquility Don joins other family members and friends for a celestial ride May God bless his soul now and forever We are certainly blessed by simply knowing him Both on this earth and ultimately in the hereafter Rest in Peace, kind and worthy Friend
So sorry for the loss of your loved one! Cherish the memories!ߙ Lenora and Joe Twehus
Thoughts and Prayers coming your way. Loretta and Tom Kleffner
My deepest sympathies to Vicki and her family. I hope Donald’s memories warm your thoughts and hearts during this holiday season. – Nathan Suter and family
Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire family. May your memories comfort you in the days ahead. Tim and Jenny Bruns