John Francis Bernskoetter

John Francis Bernskoetter, 88, of Jefferson City, passed away Wednesday, August 26, 2026, at Heisinger West in Jefferson City.

He was born October 7, 1937, in Taos, Missouri the son of Linus and Lidwina (Wolken) Bernskoetter.

He was a graduate of St. Francis Xavier Grade School and a graduate of Fatima High School in Westphalia.  In 1955, he attended Jefferson City Junior College.

John served in the United States Army from 1961-1963.

For 36 years, John worked in the Motor Equipment Division of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, retiring in 1992.  John was also the founder and owner of Camelot Royal Gifts for many years.  He received the Jefferson City Small Business Award in 1993.

John was an active member of St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Wardsville where he served as lector, music song leader for the radio Mass, sang in the church choir, and prayed a perpetual adoration chapel hour for over 25 years.  His musical ministry continued with Susan Pringer for many years in concerts and funeral masses until her death.  His love for music was shared in visits to nursing homes with his guitar and the “man with many hats.”

He volunteered with the Legion of Mary, Prison Ministry, the Cursillo Group.  John was a long-time supporter of the Dominican Sisters of Mary in Ann Arbor, Michigan and active in the renovations at the Miraculous Medal Shrine in Perryville, Missouri.

John was a dedicated St. Louis Cardinals fan since 1946.  He coached baseball teams in Wardsville and Babe Ruth leagues.   

Survivors include his sister, Lucille Bernskoetter, Wardsville; and many nieces, nephews, and other extended family members.

He was preceded in death by his parents; two sisters, Agnes Brondel and Catherine Martin; and three brothers, Norbert Bernskoetter, Albert Bernskoetter, and Paul Bernskoetter.

Visitation will be 4-6 p.m. Friday, September 4, 2026, at Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City with a prayer service at 3:30 p.m.  Additional visitation will be 9:30-10:30 a.m. Saturday at the church.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 a.m. Saturday at St. Stanislaus Catholic Church in Wardsville with the Rev. Msgr. David D. Cox officiating.  Burial with military honors will be held in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.

Memorials are suggested to the Dominican Sisters of Mary or to the Miraculous Medal Shrine.

Services entrusted to Trimble Funeral Homes – Jefferson City. trimblefunerals.com

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