Obituary

Charles “Chuck” Henry Bern, 91, of Lee’s Summit, Missouri, passed away December 26, 2025, at St. Luke’s East Hospital. He was born November 25, 1934, in Prairie City, Missouri, to William A. and Lucy Anna (Schenker) Bern.

Chuck graduated from Appleton City High School in 1954 and was a veteran of the United States Army. On December 17, 1960, he married Carol JoAnn Williams in Camdenton, Missouri. They later moved to Lee’s Summit, where Chuck worked for AT&T until his retirement.

Chuck had a lifelong love of horses and rodeo, competing in tie-down calf roping and later team roping well into his eighties. He also cherished summers at the Lake of the Ozarks, where he enjoyed boating, skiing, fishing, and making memories with family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Carol Bern; daughter, Melinda Penachio; granddaughters Kaylie and Stephanie Penachio; brother, William R. Bern; and sisters, Betty Pratt and Eileen Losey. He is survived by sisters Doris (Bob) Mills, Bonnie Stair, and Elaine Hellwig; son-in-law Paul Penachio; several nieces and nephews; and three great-grandchildren.

Visitation will be held from 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. Monday, January 5, 2026, with the funeral service at 11:00 a.m. at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, Lee’s Summit, Missouri. Interment will follow at Zion Lutheran Cemetery in Rockville, Missouri, with military honors.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Matthew Lutheran Church.