Bernard Joseph Althaus

Bernard (Bernie) Joseph Althaus was born on April 18, 1932 and passed from this life on Friday, November 2, 2012 after an eight year battle with cancer. Adoptive parents Joseph and Monica Althaus in Urbana, IL. He attended and graduated high school from St. Bede Academy (near Chicago, IL) He then entered the United States Navy and did Korean War service - though luckily he served on the other side of the world - Rome, rest of Italy and Spain. When leaving the Navy with an honorable discharge his decision was to go to college and he did at the University of Illinois in Champaign, IL. Upon graduation from University of Illinois - Champaign, IL with a Degree in Mechanical Engineering he interviewed on both coasts and decided upon Ingersoll Rand in Painted Post, NY. He met Marilyn Wicks Hendershot who was looking for a bowling partner for a Scottish Doubles bowling tournament. History was made as they won the tournament and later married in June, 1961. They were flooded in 1972 and Bernie lost his faith until Easter the following year when Marilyn and children made him return to his Catholic faith. He adopted Debbie (Marilyn's daughter) and they had three boys: John, Michael and Jeffrey. They lost Debbie in 1992. Bernie and Marilyn were heart-broken over this loss.. He was very active in the Ingersoll-Rand Service Club. Following his love of basketball he became a basketball referee and enjoyed every minute running up and down the court. In 1978 Bernie was transferred to Okmulgee, OK and the family followed and settled at 1407 Hillcrest Dr. in Henryetta in January of 1979. He soon became a very active member of St. Michael Catholic church serving as usher, lector and Eucharistic minister. He also served on the Parish Council and Finance Committee. He did as anyone asked him including helping Marilyn with many duties of the Altar Society. He was the "donut man" as he picked up donuts every week for Sundays after mass. He became VERY active in the Okmulgee Elks #1822 and served as Treasurer until his death. He was also the Secretary of the local Lions Club until his death. He also ran for The Henryetta City Council and was elected. He took this responsibility very seriously and did his best to service the city. He also served as Mayor for 4 or 5 months before his defeat for a second term. He was appointed to the EMSA board and served as Trustee until his death. He also served for a time on the Eastern Oklahoma Development District board. He is survived by his wife, Marilyn, son John and his wife Leigh, children William and Alexandra, Son Michael and his son, Sean, his wife Jessica and their children Troy and Lily, and his son, Forrest and his daughter Candi, Jeffrey and his wife Lisa and children Emma, Andrew and Aden. He is also survived by many nieces and nephews and relatives in Urbana, IL. and many, many friends. Also survived by Brittany Rene Cross, granddaughter - the daughter of Debbie. Pall Bearers: Ed Niedzialkowski, John Doneti, Marvin Sears, Dale Sibert, Butch Glover, Sam Kelch Honorary Pall Bearers: Duane Woodliff, Louis Hill, Michael Paul, Richard Larney, Charlie Brazier. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 2-8 pm at Integrity Funeral Service Rosary will be held on Wednesday evening at 7pm at St. Michael Catholic Church in Henryetta. Funeral Mass will be held on Thursday, November 8, 2012 at 10:00 AM with Fr. Peter Phung, officiating. Services are under the direction of Integrity Funeral Service.