Bernard Rommelfanger

Bernard Rommelfanger passed away on Saturday, March 19, 2015 at Independence Medicalodges. Book signing will be Tuesday, March 22, 2016 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Potts Chapel. The family will greet friends from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at St. Andrews Catholic Church where Father Heiman will lead to Rosary at 8:00 p.m. and will celebrate this Funeral Mass at 11:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 23, 2016. Bernard was born in rural Anderson County near Greeley, Kansas on April 29, 1922 to John and Anna (Rockers) Rommelfarger. Growing up with older sister Mary (Hamilton) and younger sister Annette (Matheson) in the depression years, he developed a strong sense of family, of hard work and of God's loving care. After graduating from Garnett, Kansas High School of 1942, he volunteered for the United States Air Force where he was a pilot. Following his discharge in 1945 he was hired by Sinclair Pipeline Company. That was the beginning of a long career with Arco Texas, Oklahoma and Independence, KS in 1958. Bernie always enjoyed fishing and quail hunting with good friends. For eighteen years he and good friend, Jim Clark, kept the St. Andrew block mowed, trimmed and the equipment maintained. Bernard joined the Knights of Columbus when he was 18 years old and was an active member all of his life. On November 23, 1974 at St. Andrew Catholic Church he married Ruth Stouder. They were blessed with thirty-one years of happy marriage. Bernard is survived by his stepdaughters, Janet Smith of Stillwater, Oklahoma, Judy Reynolds of Independence, Kansas, Scott and Dixie Smith of Alma, Arkansas, Todd and Lori Smith of New Braunfuls, Teaxas, Heather and Bryan Kinnamon of The Colony, Texas. Grandchildren, Tyler and Taylor Kinnamon, Aaron and Elena Smith.
Bernard is also survived by his sister, Annette Matheson of his home, two nieces, Carol and Gilbert Otten, Norton, Kansas, Patty and Gene Peacock, Emporia, Kansas, nephews, Dan L. Hamilton, Guthrie, Oklahoma and many greatnieces and great nephews in the Otten, Peacock and Hamilton families.
Bernard was preceded in death by parents, his sister, Mary M. and Russell Hamilton, Larry Smith, David Reynolds, his Grandparents, many Aunts and Uncles. The family has suggested memorials to Saint Andrew Church or School.

Visitation

Potts Chapel
122 South Penn Ave.
Independence, KS  67301
Tuesday, March 22, 2016
9-5pm

Service

St. Andrew Catholic Church
210 N. 4th
Independence, KS  66757
Wednesday, March 23, 2016
11am

Cemetery

Calvary Cemetery
North Penn Ave.
Independence, KS  66757

Memorial Contributions

St. Andrew School
210 North 4th
Independence, KS  67301