Bernie Gilner

Bernard G. "Bernie" Gilner, age 62, of Paola, Kansas, passed away on Thursday, November 18, 2010, as the result of a vehicle accident near La Crosse, Kansas. Bernie was born on September 8, 1948, at Garnett, Kansas, the son of James and Beatrice (Lickteig) Gilner. He grew up in the Greeley, Kansas area, graduating from Greeley High School in 1967. Following graduation, he attended college at Fort Scott. Bernie served in the U.S. Army from July of 1969 to February of 1975. This included one tour of duty in Viet Nam from July 1969 to July 1970, Bernie received a Purple Heart, and several other medals for his service. He was united in marriage to Barbara Lanzrath on October 18, 1975 at St. John's Catholic Church in Greeley, Kansas. This union was blessed with four daughters. Bernie worked as a laborer with Local Union 1290 in sewer and water pipeline construction. He was a member of the Greeley Knights of Columbus and Greeley VFW. He enjoyed hunting and golfing. Bernie was always eager to spend time with family and friends, and was willing to help them out whenever possible. He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Bea Gilner; and brother-in-law Floyd Jasper. Bernie is survived by his wife, Barbara Gilner of the home; four daughters, Dena Lawhead and husband Joe of Gardner, Kansas; Becky Stroman and husband Will of Paola, Kansas; Tammy Daulton and husband Ricky of Osawatomie, Kansas; Tracy Bryant and husband Scott of Paola, Kansas; eight grandchildren Ashton, Aiden, Garron, Gracyn, Alec, Owen, Caleb, and Jake; four brothers, Frank Gilner and wife Joyce of New Hampton, New York; Bob Gilner and wife Jeannette of Overland Park, Kansas; Andy Gilner and wife Margie of Tonganoxie, Kansas; Jimmie Gilner and wife Cathy of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; four sisters, Betty Wellman and husband Ron of Horton, Kansas; Carolyn O'Dell and husband Jim of Greeley, Kansas; Mary "Kakie" Honn and husband Ron of Mound City, Kansas; Terry Jasper of Bush City, Kansas; 40 nieces and nephews; 62 great nieces and nephews; and 3 great great nieces and nephews. Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Monday, November 22, 2010 at St. John's Catholic Church, Greeley, with burial following in St. John's Cemetery, Greeley. The family will greet friends following a Rosary service at 6:00 PM, Sunday evening at the church in Greeley. Memorial contributions may be made to the VFW for troop support and left in care of the funeral home.