Carol Annette Bernauer's Obituary
Carol Annette Bernauer, 85, of Fredonia, passed away Thursday, October 12, 2023, at her home. Carol was born to Omie Charles and Irma June (Malin) Spohn on May 15, 1938, in Fredonia, KS. She attended Lincoln Grade School & Fredonia High School, graduating in 1956.
That same year she married Gerald Dean Fortner, and eventually they moved to Topeka, KS where they raised their four children. While her children were still young, Carol ran an in-home daycare. It was important for her to be home when her own children returned from school each day, as she was a wonderful, loving mother. During those years she was a member of Topeka First Nazarene Church and made numerous lifelong friends.
In 1977, she married Neal William Bernauer and gained three more sons to love. She and Neal were happily married for 46 years, and they were active members of the First Baptist Church where she made many wonderful friends. After her children were grown, she was involved in the Topeka Christian Women’s Club. Carol worked in the office of Paramount Pest Control and as an office manager for Neal’s Plumbing. In later years she enjoyed and did outstanding housework for many friends.
In 2001, Carol and Neal moved to Fredonia, KS to care for her aging parents. They decided to settle in her hometown and attended First Christian Church. She also volunteered for the Fredonia Senior Center, the Fredonia Thrift Store, prepared meals for the Fredonia Fire Department, was a “Pink Lady” volunteer at Fredonia Regional Hospital.
Carol was never at a loss for words and never met a stranger. Her welcoming and accepting presence made her a beloved friend of many. Her faith in the Lord Jesus Christ was central in her life, and she enjoyed many hours playing the piano and singing hymns of worship. Carol was an avid seamstress and gardener. She greatly enjoyed traveling both the USA and abroad, visiting friends and family around the world. Carol excelled in both cooking and baking, especially known for her chicken and noodles, lasagna, apple pie, chocolate chip cookies and many varieties of Friendship Breads. After moving to Fredonia, her grandchildren would often drop by for a visit knowing they would be greeted with some yummy baked goods along with a lot of love. To her many family members, she was a loving mom, grandma, sister, cousin, great grandma, and great-great grandma.
Carol is survived by her husband, Neal, only daughter, Paula “Renee” (Forrest) Knox, Altoona, KS and five sons: Richard “Rick” Charles (Kathy) Fortner, Shawnee, KS, Russel Jay (Amparo) Fortner, Shawnee, KS, David Michael Bernauer, Wichita, KS, Steven Darren Bernauer, Fredonia, KS, Darren Michael (Michele) Bernauer, Oklahoma City, OK, 27 grandchildren, 28 great grandchildren and five great-great grandchildren, and sisters, Janice Barrow, Brooksville, FL and Pamela Spohn, Parsons, KS, and many treasured cousins.
Carol was preceded in death by her parents, and son, Gerald Dean “Gary” Fortner, Jr.
Cremation has been requested, a memorial service will be held at the First Christian Church of Fredonia, 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 21, 2023. Memorials have been suggested to either the First Christian Church, Fredonia Senior Center or the Fredonia Flag Fund and may be left with or mailed to the funeral home. Online condolences may be left at www.countrysidefh.com. Services are under the direction of Countryside Funeral Home 420 S. 20th St., P.O. Box 247, Fredonia, KS 66736
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