Bernard Berhorst Obituary

Bernard John "Jack" Berhorst Jr., age 85, passed away peacefully Tuesday, July 22, 2025 at Stonebridge Living Center in Westphalia, surrounded by his loving family. Jack was born on September 4, 1939, in Freeburg, Missouri, a son of Bernard John "Ben" and Louise Marie (Bock) Berhorst. He lived a full life that centered around family, hard work, and friendships. Jack was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church and a past member of the National Guard, Lions Club, American Legion, the Board of Directors at the Bank of Freeburg, Osage Mutual Farmers Insurance Board, and the Freeburg Town Council. Jack owned and operated charcoal kilns which made raw charcoal for Patio Chef Charcoal briquettes. He spent many years raising hogs and cattle. Jack also started several small businesses including Mr. Jack's Cafe - "Home of the Super Jack", Jack's Car Wash, and a cedar sawmill. His sharp mind and playful spirit were matched only by his dedication to his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, who brought him his greatest joy. Jack also enjoyed playing cards, feeding his fish, watching Gunsmoke and sports (especially the Cardinals and the Chiefs), picking blackberries and walnuts, and fishing in his catfish pond -simple pleasures that reflected his appreciation for life's everyday blessings. Those who celebrate his life include his devoted wife, Generose "Jean" Berhorst of 63 years, and his four children: Brian (Julie) Berhorst, Brad (Denise) Berhorst, Bridget (Robert) Eisterhold, and Beth Ann Berhorst. Jack is survived by ten grandchildren-Brianne Lasley (Kyle), Benjamin Alex Berhorst (Ashton), Bethany Brett (Connor), Bailey Haslag (Luke), Blake and Bradi Berhorst, Meredith, Lucas, and Sabrina Eisterhold, and Caroline Charley. He will also be missed by his nine great-grandchildren: Harper, Brecken, and Kenna Lasley; Ben and Bodie Berhorst; Beckham Brett; Celina Charley; and Teddy and Hallie Haslag. He is also survived by his brother Danny Berhorst, his sister Patricia Dvorak, and many nieces and nephews. Jack was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Virginia Berhorst, Betty Ann Redel and Louise Bagneschi; and one great-grandchild, Kase Lasley. Visitation for Jack Berhorst will be held on Saturday, July 26, 2025, from 10 am. until 12 noon in the Holy Family Catholic Church, 104 Oliver Street, Freeburg, MO 65035, with the Mass of Christian Burial following, with the Rev. Anthony Rinaldo "Tony", Immaculate Conception, as the Celebrant. Interment with military honors will be held at the Holy Family Cemetery, Freeburg, under the direction of the Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home in Vienna. Memorials in memory of Mr. Jack Berhorst are suggested by the family to be made to St. Raymond's Society or the Holy Family School Renovation Fund with envelopes available at the church the day of his service or in care of Birmingham-Martin Funeral Home, P.O. Box 250, Vienna, MO 65582. Jack's legacy of love, humor, and hard work will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He will be deeply missed.