Bernard Geenens

Bernard James Geenens, 80, of Blue Mound, Kansas died at 1:40 pm Wednesday, February 18, 2015 following a courageous battle with cancer. Bernie was born on April 24, 1934 to August Thomas and Josephine (Fastner) Geenens. He attended Catholic schools. After graduating from De La Salle Academy in Kansas City, Missouri he attended Nelson Art Institute in Kansas City, Missouri. Bernie joined the U. S. Army and was stationed in Greenland during the Korean War. Bernard married Bernice Payden on September 19, 1957. Together they raised three children, but later divorced. Bernie was a multi-talented man who was also deeply committed to the communities in which he lived. He grew huge gardens each year and enjoyed giving his produce to everyone in the community. He was a member of Lions Club International and was president of the Mill Creek Rifle Club for many years. Bernie was very artistic. He made knives and cutlery, was a gunsmith, and could fix anything. He loved the outdoors and was a scuba diver and an avid hunter. He was one of the original builders of the Mill Creek Rifle Range. Bernie''s great loves in his later years were his dogs, especially Suzy. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, one brother who died in infancy, his daughter-in-law Lilly Geenens, and one grandson Stevie Denny who died from SIDS. Survivors include his three children, Debra A. Stenstrom and her husband Dr. Mark L. of Junction City, Kansas, Mark T. Geenens of Blue Mound, and Laurie Teter and her husband Steven of Garnett, Kansas; seven grandchildren, Jeremy and Megan Stenstrom, Sara Geenens, Tara and Corey Denny, Mitchell Teter, and Derek Fletcher. The family will receive friends from 5:00 to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, February 25, 2015 at Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory Mound City Chapel. The family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society in care of the funeral home. Friends and family may leave online condolences at www.schneiderfunerals.com http://www.schneiderfunerals.com.

Visitation Details

Wednesday, February 25th, 2015 5:00pm - 7:00pm, Schneider Funeral Home and Crematory, Mound City Chapel

Interment Details