Cover photo for Fr. James Bernauer's Obituary
Fr. James Bernauer Profile Photo
1926 Fr. 2016

Fr. James Bernauer

July 7, 1926 — June 19, 2016

Fr. James Bernauer of Dent, MN died Sunday, June 19 2016 in United Hospital in St. Paul, MN. Visitation will be held on Thursday, June 23 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. with parish prayers at 7:00 p.m. at St. Henry's Catholic Church in Perham. Visitation will resume on Friday, June 24 beginning at 10:00 a.m. followed by the funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. at the church. Burial will be held in St. Henry's Catholic Cemetery, Perham.

James was born to William Jr. and Cecelia (Menz) Bernauer at St. James Hospital, Perham on July 7, 1926. He was baptized at St. Henry's and confirmed in May of 1940. James attended St. Henry's Parochial School for eight years and took his high school, college and theology studies at the Pontifical College Josephinum in Columbus, OH. He was ordained to the priesthood by Amleto Cicognani, Apostolic delegate on June 7, 1952.

His assignments as associate pastor were three years at Crookston Cathedral, three years at St. Bernard's, Thief River Falls, Goodridge, Grygla and Middle River and two years at St. Philip's in Bemidji. In 1960 he became pastor at Badger and Benwood. From 1963 to 1971 he served at St. Joseph's Olso and Red River Mission. From 1971 to 1981 James was parish priest at St. Bernard's, Thief River Falls, St. Anne's, Goodridge, St. Clement's, Grygla. For six years he served as pastor at St. Peter and St. Paul's, Warren and four years at St. John's, Akeley, Immaculate Conception, Nevis and St. Theodore's, LaPorte.

James also served the northern tier Vocation Circuit speaker, Diocesan Catholic Youth Director, diocesan Liturgical Commission, Pro-Life Commission, Priests' Council member, St. Joseph's and Retirement Boards. In retirement James was part of the "Highway 10 Cluster" of parishes, substituting on weekends.

Surviving Fr. James are his siblings Virginia Plettl of Tucson, Bernard and Jerome (Donna) Bernauer of Richfield and Burnsville; eight nephews and nieces; 11 grand-nephews and nieces; many cousins; along with his fellow priests of the Diocese of Crookston.

Memorials are preferred to St. Henry's Area School.




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