Ronald "Ron" Bernau Obituary (1936 - 2024)

Thursday February 1, 2024, at 11:49 AM our brother in Christ, Ronald “Ron” Bernau went to meet his Savior at the Arc at Normal. Ron was born on December 6, 1936, in Bloomington, Illinois at St Joseph Hospital. His parents were Edward and Clara Woizeski Bernau. His only sibling was Loren E. Bernau. His family were farmers in rural Danvers, Illinois where Ron grew up. It is also where he discovered his love of farming and made that his career. Ron was a lifelong member of the Zion Lutheran Church in Danvers, Illinois. He was a member of the Lutheran Missouri Synod. Ron loved to speak of his educational start in a one room schoolhouse before going on to Stanford grade school then onto Stanford High where he lettered in Baseball and Basketball all four years. He was also a member of FFA Allen Path Finders (Future Farmers of America) and was secretary of the club during his senior year. In 1956, through his work and dedication to becoming a Farmer of the Future he earned the most prestigious award of “American Farmer” an award given to only one FFA (Future Farmers of America) member/ candidate each year. Ron became a longtime leader of the club and served for many years. High School is where Ron meets the love of his life Donna J. Kauffman of Danvers, Illinois. They were married on June 20, 1958. Donna passed away in 1998. Also preceding him were his parents and his brother. Following high school, Ron served in the Army National Guard for two years before returning home where he and Donna started their farming career in rural Danvers, Illinois. While Ron enjoyed being a grain farmer, he also developed a love of Dairy Farming through his activities in FFA. He built a premier Ayrshire dairy herd which won many awards such as “Premier Breeder”. Ron also earned the “Premier Exhibitor” award at the Illinois State Fair two times. Ron sold his dairy herd in 1977. From there, he concentrated on grain farming. For a time, Ron was also a seed dealer for Sun Prairie Seeds. Ron was a member of the Danvers Elevator Board and served as a director. During his lifetime, Ron was always willing to help others. First, he received a Pin for giving eight gallons of blood during his lifetime. He would help at harvest time with neighbor’s crops when help was needed. He helped with farm sales. He also delivered Peace Meals for many years. He gave generously to many charities through his church. He was a sports enthusiast all his life. He loved college basketball and especially The Fighting Illini and Illinois State University Redbirds where he had season tickets for many years. His favorite baseball team was The St. Louis Cardinals. Ron wished to thank his companion, Anita Ogden for the many years of love and devotion. She was a great comfort and brought him joy. Ron also wished to thank Mark Bohlmann for all his help on the farm, Ron enjoyed and appreciated the many years they worked together. Ron especially wished to thank Corey Bohlmann, his “Rock”, who helped him daily and was as a grandson to him. Ron loved him dearly. Ron’s funeral service will be held at 11 AM Monday February 5, 2024, at Zion Lutheran Church in Danvers. There will be a visitation hour prior to the service. Reverend Frank Zimmerman will officiate. Burial will be in Park Lawn Cemetery in Danvers. Arrangements are being made by Otto Argo Calvert Funeral Home in Danvers. Memorial contribution may be made St. Jude Childrens’ Hospital in Peoria, IL., Danvers Fire and Rescue or Stanford Fire and Rescue. In closing Rons loved ones wish to say…Well done thy good and faithful servant.