Bernard A. Schanzmeyer

Bernard A. Schanzmeyer, 95, of Jefferson City, passed away June 12, 2023, at Primrose Retirement Community.

He was born March 2, 1928, at Meta, Mo., a son of Henry J. and Theresia (Massmann) Schanzmeyer. On November 27, 1952, he was united in marriage to Norma “Jean” Gray at St. Cecilia Catholic Church in Meta. They enjoyed 70 wonderful years together.

The youngest of 10 children, Bernard grew up on the family dairy farm in Meta and graduated from Meta High School in 1946.   He was drafted into the Army in September 1950. He served one year in Korea as a combat infantry rifleman (MOS 4745), to G Company 19th Infantry Regiment, 24th Division. He was wounded with shrapnel in his hip and knee from an enemy mortar barrage, saw action in four major campaigns and was awarded four bronze stars. He ended his active service as a platoon sergeant leading basic training for recruits at Ft. Leonard Wood until July 1952.

In 1953, Bernard joined his brothers, Pat and Bert, as a partner in Schanzmeyer Chevrolet in Meta, managed their Chevrolet Agency in Owensville for two years and then in 1963 became a partner in the Schanzmeyer Ford Agency in Jefferson City. After retiring from the automobile business in l975, the brothers became the owners and developers of deVille Southwest Properties, in which Bernard continued on as a managing partner.

Bernard and Jean had a place at the Lake of the Ozarks for more than 60 years, beginning in 1956. It was a great weekend retreat for the whole family and was used year-round. They loved to boat ride, water ski and fish. Spending weekends at the lake with family was a way to rejuvenate before the next work week, and Bernard would often say, “This Is Livin’!”

Bernard and Jean enjoyed traveling. They visited more than 30 countries, including the Vatican, Egypt, China, Thailand, Vietnam, South Korea, Korean Demilitarized Zone, Switzerland, Portugal, and Canada. They enjoyed going on cruise ships, especially cruises to Alaska, Mexico, and the Caribbean islands. For 12 years, the couple spent one month in the winter at Sanibel Island, Fla.  Bernard liked history, writing and self-publishing two books, “My Tour of Duty in the United States Army – a Korean War Documentary” in 2004, and “This Is Livin'” in 2012, a documentary about the couple’s life experiences, to pass down to future generations.  He donated his Korean War artifacts to the Museum of Missouri Military History at the Missouri National Guard, where they are on display. He was a member of St. Joseph Cathedral Parish, Knights of Columbus, Veterans of Foreign Wars, the 24th Infantry Division Association, National Rifle Association and Mid-Missouri Apartment Association. 

In 2016, he and Jean moved into Primrose Retirement Community, where he enjoyed visiting with other veterans, attending Mass on Sundays, and reciting the Rosary on Wednesdays. 

Bernard cherished his family and had a special place in his heart for each and every one of them.

He is survived by his loving wife, Jean; five daughters: Rhonda Saucier (Matt), Taos; Marsha Smith (Tom), Columbia; Karla Houchins (Chuck), Jefferson City; Gayla Westergaard (Ty), Olean; and Stacia Kellett (Scott) of Columbia, Mo. and Goodland, Fla.; 11 grandchildren: Beth Houseworth, Mandy Kozminske, Brandon Saucier, Adam Smith, Megan Cornelius, Audrey Houchins, Danielle Fischer, Nathan Hays, Rachel Hays, Hunter Kellett, Wyatt Kellett; one step-grandson: Chris Westergaard; 19 great-grandchildren; a brother-in-law: James “Bud” (Joan) Gray, Salem, Mo.; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, sisters: Beatrice Kroll (Ted), Marie Schanzmeyer, Imelda Scheppers (Gus), one who died at birth, and brothers: Joseph “Bud” (Irene), Arthur, Patrick (Patty), Hank, and Gilbert (Helen) Schanzmeyer. He also is preceded by sisters-in-law: Margie (Dorsey) Roberds, Lois (Bill) Allen, Dorothy (Cecil) Taylor, Phyllis (Jerome) Koerber, and Donna (Don) Schaefferkoetter.

Visitation will be Monday, June 19,2023 from 10:00a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at The Cathedral of St. Joseph, Jefferson City.  Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Louis Nelen officiating. Burial will immediately follow in the Resurrection Mausoleum with full military honors. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Trimble Funeral Homes-Jefferson City.  trimblefunerals.com

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions are suggested to the St. Joseph Cathedral School, 2303 W. Main St., Jefferson City, MO 65109; Helias Foundation, 1312 Southwest Blvd., Suite 103, Jefferson City, MO 65109; or Compassus Hospice, 3405 W. Truman Blvd., Suite 210, Jefferson City, MO 65109.