Service Information
John Bernhagen, age 86, husband of “Letty”, of Hutchinson, Minnesota, passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2020, at his home in Hutchinson.
Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, October 3, 2020, at 2:00 P.M. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church in Hutchinson with interment in the Oakland Cemetery in Hutchinson.
Gathering of Family and Friends will be held on Friday, October 2, 2020, from 4:00-8:00 P.M. at Our Savior’s Lutheran Church and will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.
Masks and social distancing are required.
Please see www.oslhutch.com for the live streaming of the memorial service.
Military Honors by the Hutchinson Memorial Rifle Squad.
Memorials preferred to Our Savior's Lutheran Church and Camp Penuel Costa Rica.
Obituary
John J. Bernhagen was born on March 19, 1934, in Hutchinson, Minnesota. He was the son of Ed and Emma (Malek) Bernhagen. John was baptized as an infant and confirmed as a youth at the Evangelical United Brethren Church, Hutchinson, Minnesota. He graduated from Hutchinson High School in 1952. He furthered his education at the University of Minnesota, St. Paul campus and earned a technical degree in agriculture. Later in life, he achieved his B.A. degree from Metropolitan State and his Masters in corporate counseling from Mankato State.
He was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1954 and served until August 4, 1956. His military duty was in Orleans, France. On October 28, 1956, he married his high-school sweetheart Loretta (Letty) Narr at Peace Lutheran, Hutchinson. They had three children, Joel, Luann, and Paul. They resided on John's grandparents' farm northeast of Hutchinson for 49 years. He actively farmed for several years and received the McLeod County "outstanding young farmer" award. In 2006 they moved to The Greens in northwest Hutchinson and moved to Lakeridge Community, Hutchinson, a year ago. John and Letty were married for nearly 64 years.
In 1957 Peace Lutheran formed a daughter congregation and John and Letty became charter members of Our Savior's Lutheran Church, Hutchinson. As an active member, John served in many capacities, sang in the choir, played his trumpet for many occasions, taught High School Sunday School and later the Adult Bible Class and was the catcher for the OSL softball team. He was elected to the MN South District Board of his church body and served for four years.
John was an active member of his community at various times in Farm Bureau, Republican Party, American Legion Post 96, Kiwanis, and Common Cup. He was elected to the McLeod Co-op Power Association and served for 18 years. During this time, he was on the State Board of Co-ops, as well.
In 1968 he was encouraged to run for the state legislature and won the election in the fall. He served four years in the House of Representatives and 20 years in the State Senate. John was recognized for his negotiating skills and served on many conference committees to iron out differences between House and Senate bills. During his legislative years, he served as the Midwest Representative on the Council of State Legislatures and director and president of the Mississippi River Parkway Commission.
During his legislative years, he was hired as Hutchinson's first executive director of economic development and served from 1984 to 1992. After he retired from the Senate, he worked for Minnesota Technology until his retirement in 1999. In 2016 he received the honor of "Mr. Hutchinson" during the Hutchinson Jaycee Water Carnival. He wore his captain's cap proudly.
John's main interests and activities revolved around his faith in Christ Jesus, his family, and his friends. His grandchildren loved his stories, especially his famous "limburger" cheese classics. Besides six grandchildren they have four greats which are a huge enjoyment. Travels included 49 states and six continents. After retirement, Camp Penuel Costa Rica became his mission and he spent many hours supporting the Camp in time and treasure.
John passed away on Saturday, September 26, 2020, at his residence in Hutchinson, at the age of 86 years. Blessed be his memory.
John is survived by his:
Wife, Letty Bernhagen of Hutchinson, MN;
Children, Joel Bernhagen and his wife, Bobbie of Duffield, VA,
Luann Pheneger and her husband, Steve of Roseville, MN,
Paul Bernhagen and his wife, Thelma of Esparza, Costa Rica;
Grandchildren, Evan Pheneger and his wife, Stephanie, Emily Meade and her husband, Andrew, Elissa Johnson and her husband, Trent, Rebeca Bernhagen, Roy Bernhagen, Courtney Bernhagen;
Great-Grandchildren, Maddox and Connor Pheneger, Aria and Beckett Meade;
Sister, Ruth Schwarze of Hutchinson, MN;
Brothers-in-law and Sisters-in-law, Wally and Wilma Narr of Pewaukee, WI, Jon and Lola Wuerffel of Destin, FL ;
Many Nieces, Nephews, other relatives and friends.
John is preceded in death by his Parents, Ed and Emma Bernhagen; Brothers, Herbert (Donna) Bernhagen and Edwin Bernhagen; Brothers-in-law, Orlan (Mary) Narr and Malcolm Schwarze.
Marvin Glanzer says
This was a very special family. When I worked at the 3M magnetic tape manufacturing we worked together on the farm. Our children were good friends as the daughter was our baby sitter. Our children still talk about the great relationship they had. Lettie is a very special lady also with great talents. God’s blessing on this special family.
Marvin and DeLila Glanzer
Selwyn, Shawn, Marci, and Sherlyn
Letty says
Thank you so much for your message. It was so good to hear from you. Are you still living near Atlanta? We had John’s funeral today. Luann’s entire family (12 now) and Paul’s family of 4 from Costa Rica were here. It’s hard to have an occasion such as this with COVID but we had a church service and limited seating for the lunch. Joel was not able to come. He lives in Virginia now and doesn’t travel much because of his arthritis and family doesn’t like to fly. Do you ever come to Minnesota? My nephew Danny Wuerffel lives in Atlanta and my sister lives in Destin FL. Maybe someday I’ll get down there. Greet your family for me. Letty
Jerome/Julie Karl says
So sorry for your loss. Prayers for peace and comfort. He was a great chaperone on our band trip to Mexico City in 1980.
take care,
Julie (Kaufmann) Karl
Letty says
Thank you for your message. The Mexico trip was a great time for us too. Thank you for remembering us.
Jose Perez says
He was a great human and christian, an importan support for his son Paul here in Camp Penuel Costa Rica. For everyone of us that know him and work with him was an inspiration.
I’m gonna miss him at the Camp, but his legacy, good mood, hard work and lessons will remain here with us.
Jason Lara says
Meeting John was a great honor. My family, father, mother and brothers will always remember him with a great man, hard-working, dedicated, humble and dedicated to God. There were many good moments that we spent with him and his family. From my family, our condolences on his departure. We will always remember him and God bless his family.
Letty says
Thank you for your kind words. Also thank you for sending the beautiful browallia plant. Thank your whole family. It was a wonderful surprise. God-willing I may be able to travel to Costa Rica when the pandemic is over.
Letty and family
Suzy Rea says
Dear Paul, Thelma, Rebeca and Roy.
We wish to pass on our condolences to you and families. We never met John but we certainly felt his presence in his work for the Lord. When we stayed at his house at Camp Penuel in Costa Rica, we heard the stories, saw the results of his work, and felt his love for God. He has left a everlasting legacy which lives on.
Thank you Lord for such a good and faithful servant.
From your New Zealand family
Bruce, Suzy, Sammy-Jo, Troy, Lyn and Maddy
Letty says
Thank you for those kind words. Paul always spoke highly of you and your work. Thank you for dedicating time to the camp.
Jason Durheim says
Letty and Family,
So sorry to hear of John’s passing. I am so glad that our paths initially crossed as we supported Hutchinson Concert Assn. Both you and John have been blessings to me.
Praying for peace.
Letty says
Thank you Jason. What a nice message. Letty
Patrick D. McGowan says
I had the privilege of serving with Senator John in both the Republican Caucus and the Minnesota Senate. He was a man of integrity. I always admired the demeanor he displayed. After reading his obituary it helped me understand where he got his morality, kindness and friendliness from. May the many fond memories your family has of You help ease their pain during this most difficult time. May you Rest In Eternal Peace friend.
Patrick D. McGowan
Minnesota State Senator (Ret)
Ernest Lindstrom says
John was everything a citizen legislator could be–kind, thoughtful, principled, and competent. Thanks to his wife and family for allowing his many years of public service.
Ernie Lindstrom (former House of Representatives member)
Letty says
Thank you for the kind message. He talked a lot about his legislative years. Letty
dean e.johnson says
Letty and Family!!! I have very fond memories of working with John in the State Senate!! He was a real gentlemen and his word was always good and solid!! May your family and friends surround you with love, compassion and encouragement during this time and the days ahead. Remember the Resurrection!! Remember all the people that John helped in his life!! The Lord will be good to his Soul!! Prayers and Love to you!! Dean and Debbie Johnson, Senator (RET)
Letty says
Thank you for your kind words. Many memories with those years.
Gaylin DenOuden says
Letty – Cobie and I want to express our sympathy to you and your family. I will always remember working with him as my senator while I was in the House. He was a gentlemen’s gentleman, He was always ready to listen to any concern you might have. Blessings to you as you say Good-bye.
Letty says
Thank you for your kind words. John really appreciated your call of a few weeks ago. It was so nice to talk to you.
John Marty says
Letty,
I remember John as a warm, friendly person. I appreciated his kindness to me as a young senator from the other caucus — the same goodwill he shared with everyone. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers at this time of loss.
Mary Yerks says
Letty, I was just reading Vic Schmidt’s obituary and found John’s. I don’t know if you remember me from my few years at OSL, but I think of you and John often. I really enjoyed getting to know and valued your friendship. My sympathy, but is now home with Jesus.