Lawrence M. Bernhardt

Lawrence M. Bernhardt, age 74, of Cassville, passed away on Sunday, October 8, 2023, at his home.  He was born on April 7, 1949, in Lancaster, the son of John and Phyllis (Nies) Bernhardt.  Larry graduated from Cassville High School in 1967.  On December 6, 1969, he was united in marriage to Donna Jean Kowalski at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville.  After their marriage, the couple made their home in Madison where Larry worked as a machinist for 7 years.  They moved back to Cassville and Larry worked for Kowalski Kieler, now known as Bard, until his retirement.  He was a member of St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville.  Larry enjoyed music and played bass guitar in the Muddy Hollow Band.  He also enjoyed camping, hunting, fishing, and motorcycling.  Larry loved to tell jokes, had a witty sense of humor, and was the best storyteller.  He dearly loved spending time with his family and attending his grandchildren’s activities. 

Survivors include his loving wife of 53 years, Donna; their three sons: Shane Bernhardt, Nathan (Elizabeth) Bernhardt and Adam Bernhardt; 7 grandchildren: Lyric and Aria Bernhardt, Lucas Bernhardt and Nicholas Hacker, Vivian, Eleanor and Teddy Bernhardt; his siblings: Mary Ila Esser, Mark (Eva) Bernhardt, Robert (Sue) Bernhardt, and Joe (Kris) Bernhardt; in-laws: Mary Jane (Roger) Droessler, Betty (Wayne) Kruser, Jim (Charlotte) Kowalski, Collette (Art) Kowalski, Colleen (Wayne) Ploessl; other relatives and many friends.

In addition to his parents, Larry was preceded in death by two brothers-in-law, Chris Esser and Tom Hallowell, a sister-in-law, Junie (Willy) Udelhofen, and his father and mother-in-law, Doc and Irene Kowalski.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Saturday, October 14, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Charles Catholic Church in Cassville.  Burial will be in St. Charles Cemetery, Cassville.  Family and friends may call on Friday, October 13, 2023, from 4:00 p.m. until 7:00 p.m. and on Saturday from 10:00 a.m. until time of services at the church.  Martin Schwartz Funeral Home & Crematory in Cassville is assisting the family.