Charles "Chuck" Thomas Bernauer, Ii

Charles “Chuck” Thomas Bernauer, II, 70, of Topeka, passed away Tuesday, June 18, 2024.

He was born November 19, 1953, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Charles and Virginia (Major) Bernauer. He graduated from Highland Park High School in 1972. Following high school, Chuck joined the United States Navy and proudly served his country.

Chuck worked for Kansas Department of Transportation for nearly 20 years on the paint crew.

He married Deanna Montgomery on September 13, 1980 in Valley Falls, KS. They have two daughters, Tonya and Tara. Chuck was previously married to Maria and had two sons, Charles and James.

Chuck loved spending time with his grandkids. In his free time, you could find him at the junk yard picking parts out of cars. His junk yard hobby lead to an extensive collection of tools. Chuck was the man behind the camera and loved to take pictures. He enjoyed riding his Honda Gold Wing Motorcycle and was a part of the Gold Wing Road Riders. He was known for his ornery, teasing personality. He didn’t know a stranger and would talk to anyone. He was an avid Chiefs fan.

He leaves behind his children, Charles L. Bernauer, James Bernauer, Tonya (Chance) Eastman and Tara Bernauer; his grandchildren, Gage, Alyssa, Taelynn, Jordan and Aurora and one great grandchild on the way; his siblings Eric (Diana) Bernauer, Cardii Bernauer and Staci Bernauer. He was preceded in death by his wife, Deanna Bernauer and his parents.

A memorial service with military honors will be held at 2:00 pm., Friday, July 19, 2024, at Penwell-Gabel Funeral Home, 1321 SW 10th Avenue, Topeka, Kansas 66604. His family will greet relatives and friends one hour prior to the service. Memorial contributions may be made to the Horticulture Department at the Topeka VA Hospital, 2200 SW Gage Blvd, Topeka, KS 66622.

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