William John Bernauer

William Bernauer passed away on April 12 at the age of 101 in Indianapolis, IN surrounded by loved ones. Bill was born in Seattle, WA to Joe and Sue but grew up in the Kansas City, MO area.  Bill served in the Merchant Marines during and after WWII delivering supplies to several ports of call around the world.

Upon his Honorable Discharge, he returned to Kansas City where he met and married Shirley (Lynch), his wife of 57 years.  Together they welcomed 4 children Gregory, Cynthia, Jeffrey and Michael. 

Over the years, Bill worked at CIT as a commercial financial consultant where he was transferred to Baltimore, MD and Indianapolis, IN during this career. His last transfer took him and Shirley back to the Kansas City area (Olathe, KS) where he retired. Soon after retirement, he became a grandparent and decided to take up a retirement job at the local Dillons.

Bill and Shirley were blessed with a total of 5 grandchildren: Elizabeth, Alexander, Zachary, Madeline and Drake. Beside playing with his grandchildren, he enjoyed bicycling many miles a day, crossword puzzles, beer/wine and Raisin Bran.

He loved his family so much and took many vacations traveling with them or to see them in OH, TX and Indianapolis. He also loved the beach and all the seafood/fish he could eat! As he approached 90, he became a great grandfather to Avery, Brock, Aria, Kaiser, and Nettie.

He lived a great life, one that everyone would cherish. Each member of his family is so blessed and honored to call him Dad or Grandpa. We will continue to remember all the love, support, and memories he gave us.

 Rest well Dad and Grandpa, you deserve it all. We love you!

He is preceded in death by his parents: Joseph and Susan, Wife, Shirley, Children, Greg and Cindy. He is survived by his children, Jeff Bernauer (Marsha), Michael Bernauer (Denise), Daughter in Law Susan Bernauer, Grandchildren, Elizabeth Lawler (Nick), Alex Bernauer, Zachary Bernauer, Madeline Diaz (Matt), Drake Bernauer and 5 great grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers please donate to the American Cancer Society.