Paul Bernau

In Loving Memory of Paul Ernest Bernau

Paul Ernest Bernau was born on June 13, 1947, to Ernest and Luana (Dau) Bernau in Algona, Iowa, and passed away on October 29, 2026, at the age of 79. As the oldest of eight children, Paul spent his early years on a farm near Whittemore, IA before his family moved to their new farm near Fountain, MN. In his youth, Paul worked for an array of farmers, gaining valuable knowledge and experience with cattle, pigs, sheep, crops, and farm machinery.

Paul graduated from Preston High School in 1966, and that same year, his senior trip took him to Vietnam to serve in the military. Even during his time in the military, Paul’s sense of humor shone through. He often joked that he could relate to Barney Fife from The Andy Griffith Show—after all, like Barney, Paul was issued just one bullet to fend off the enemy! During his deployment, he received a Purple Heart following an encounter with a landmine.

After returning home, Paul found his way back to his agrarian roots. He met and married Beverly Oehlke, and together they began building their life on the farm they would call home for years to come. Their family grew with the addition of three sons: Adam (Jada), Nathan (Dawn), and David (Ashlee).

Paul’s life embraced three things above all: faith, family, and farming. When he wasn't working on the farm, he could often be found attending auctions, enjoying tractor rides and threshing shows, or traveling down a country dirt road. The Good Lord blessed Paul with the gift of gab, and he could strike up a conversation with anyone he met, friend or stranger alike.

Paul was a true tractor enthusiast who loved wheeling and dealing in older tractor models. You never knew what tractor might be sitting in the yard at any given time!

Having personally known Jim Busta, Paul faithfully followed his band. When Jim no longer performed, Paul and Bev never missed an opportunity to attend concerts featuring Jim’s daughter, Molly B. You could certainly say that Paul was a Molly B groupie!

Paul will be deeply missed by his beloved Bev; his sons and their families; and, especially, his cherished grandchildren: Hunter, Kayle, Anna, Weston, Willa, Reid, Addison, and Miles.

Through his life, Paul held close the most important lesson of all: he knew, without a doubt, that he was a Child of God. His faith was a foundation of his life, and that assurance will remain a lasting part of his legacy.

A Funeral will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, at Root Prairie Lutheran Church, with visitation starting an hour prior to service.

Military honors will take place after the graveside service by the Chatfield VFW.

The funeral service will be livestreamed through the link below:

https://together.oneroomstreaming.com/GC2UAF 

Hoff Funeral Home Chatfield is assisting the family.