When I think of Uncle Bernie I remember a warm-spirited, kind and gentle man whose family, friends and vocation meant the world to him. He is a tremendously generous human being who has listened, guided and befriended so many. The world is a better place with all the goodness he has put into it. I hope he feels at peace and finds joy in being re-united with his wife Cathy and those that have passed away before him. All our prayers, blessings and love. He will be missed.
Reverend Bernard A. Gruenes
December 11, 1933 – April 16, 2015
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, April 21st at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud for Reverend Bernard A. Gruenes, age 81, of St. Cloud, who died on Thursday April 16th, 2015 at the Country Manor Villa in Sartell. The Most Reverend Donald J. Kettler will officiate. Burial will be in Assumption Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday between 4:00-8:30 PM and on Tuesday after 9:00 AM at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud. There will be a Vigil Service at 7:00 PM on Monday Evening at the Church.
Reverend Bernard Anton Gruenes was born on December 11, 1933, in Eden Valley. He was the son of Anton and Anna (Kalthoff) Gruenes. He attended Assumption Grade School, Eden Valley, MN; Eden Valley High School, Eden Valley, MN; Saint Cloud State University, Saint Cloud, MN; and Wisconsin School of Banking, Madison, WI.
Father Gruenes married Catherine Stang on August 28, 1956. They raised their family in the towns of Watkins and St. Cloud. Fr Gruenes had a career in banking for nearly 40 years, and was known for his many leadership roles and generosity to Church, civic, and community organizations. He was very proud of being a charter member and founding trustee of the Church of St. Michael in St. Cloud.
After the death of his wife, Catherine in 1992, he began his seminary training to prepare for the priesthood. Father Gruenes was ordained by The Most Reverend John F. Kinney at the Church of St. Michael St. Cloud, MN on December 18, 1998, and celebrated his first Mass there on December 19, 1998.
Father Gruenes served in the following pastoral assignments in the Diocese of Saint Cloud: Parochial administrator, Ave Maria Church, Wheaton, and St. Peter, Dumont, January 1999 – July 1999; pastor, St. Joseph, Grey Eagle, and St. John the Baptist, Swanville, July 1999 – July 2002; St. Michael, St. Cloud, July 2002 – September 2010, St. Joseph, Waite Park, June 2007 – September, 2010. Father Gruenes retired on September 1, 2010.
In addition, Father Gruenes also served as a dean of the Melrose Deanery, member of the College of Consultors, Vicar for Permanent Deacons, member of the Diocesan Review Board, member of the Priest’s Pension Board, and chaplain of the Serra Club of Saint Cloud.
Father Gruenes is survived by his children, David Gruenes (Mary) St. Cloud, Donald Gruenes (Elizabeth Perrier) Watkins, Mary Gruenes, Sartell, and Diane Sakach (Mike) Glen Ellyn, IL, grandchildren, Meghan Ericson (Kevin), Jennifer Roy (David), Carolyn, Adrienne, Meredith, Elena, and Julia, great-grandchild, Prestyn, brothers, Peter Gruenes (Grace) Eden Valley, Al Gruenes (Rose) Colon, NE, Joseph Gruenes ( Anna Mae) Eden Valley, Anton Gruenes (Mary) Spring Hill and John Gruenes (Mary) Watkins; and sisters, Theresa Stang (Arnie) Richmond and Marge Gruenes, St. Cloud.
He was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Catherine, two sons Steven and Robert and grandson Jordan Karasch.
Memorials are preferred to Diocesan Appeal or Cathedral High School.
Guestbook
Our thoughts and prayers for Father Bernie’s family. He was a kind man and he will be greatly missed by many. He touched so many lives and we were all blessed to know him and be in his presence. May he rest in peace.
My heart sank on the news of the passing of Uncle Bernie, he was always such a kind and welcoming person. I am comforted by the fact he is now with Aunt Cathy and others in the family who have passed on. My thoughts and prayers are with the entire Gruenes family.
Your dad’s obituary really moved me. He lived well, loved and served. What an example! I am sorry for your loss. Prayers!
We were blessed to have Fr. Bernie as our pastor for three years and we thank his family for sharing him with the church! May he rest in peace!
Marge, my thoughts and prayers are with you. I treasure the many stories you shared about your brother. Your memories will surely help you accept this loss. You two shared so many things from your deep faith to your politics and many happy moments. Even though I am hundreds of miles away, my thoughts will be with you. May God bless you and your family.
So sorry for your loss. You and your family will be in our thoughts and prayers.
Marge, we extend our deepest sympathies to you on the loss of your dear brother. We know that you had a very special relationship with him and that you will miss him greatly. May your faith and your precious memories comfort you!
Marge – So sorry for your great loss. You and your family are in my thoughts and prayers. I hope there are plenty of wonderful stories to be shared during this time together.
Services
Visitation
St. Mary’s CathedralServices
St. Mary’s CathedralSchedule Details
Mass of Christian Burial will be on Tuesday, April 21st at 11:00 AM at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud for Reverend Bernard A. Gruenes, age 81, of St. Cloud, who died on Thursday April 16th, 2015 at the Country Manor Villa in Sartell. The Most Reverend Donald J. Kettler will officiate. Burial will be in Assumption Cemetery. Friends may call on Monday between 4:00-8:30 PM and on Tuesday after 9:00 AM at St. Mary’s Cathedral in St. Cloud. There will be a Vigil Service at 7:00 PM on Monday Evening at the Church.