Charles B. Bernskoetter, age 92, of Jefferson City, passed away on Wednesday, March 4, 2026, at his residence.
Born at home on September 14, 1933 in Jefferson City, he was the son of William F. and Mabel Johanna (Prenger) Bernskoetter. On June 29, 1957, Charles was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mildred “Millie” Pleus, at St. Francis Xavier Church in Taos; she survives at the home.
Charles attended Immaculate Conception Grade School and was a 1951 graduate of St. Peter’s High School. He pursued higher education at Lincoln University, earning a degree in Accounting, and later received a Master of Science in Public Administration from the University of Missouri.
A proud veteran, Charles was drafted during the Korean War and served in the U.S. Army from 1953 to 1955. He attained the rank of Sergeant and was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, United Nations Service Medal, Korean Service Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal. On May 7, 2013, he was honored to travel to Washington, D.C., as part of Central Missouri Honor Flight #22. His years of unselfish service were further recognized with the American Legion Auxiliary Quilt of Valor.
Charles began his professional career with the Division of Employment Security and A.B. Chance before joining the Missouri State Highway Patrol. He retired in 1996 as Budget Director after 34 years of dedicated service. He was a longtime member of the “Wears Creek Yacht Club”, a group of retired Patrol employees.
A lifelong member of Immaculate Conception Parish, Charles lived a life of deep faith and community involvement. In 2006, Charles received the Benemerenti medallion from Pope Benedict XVI at the recommendation of Bishop Gaydos. He served as the State Deputy of the Missouri State Council of the Knights of Columbus, was a member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus, a member of the Equestrian Order of the Holy Sepulchre of Jerusalem, and served on the board of the Missouri Special Olympics. His commitment to others was further evident through his years spent volunteering for the Samaritan Center, Meals on Wheels, Operation Bugle Boy, and Wreaths for Heroes. He was a life member of the VFW and American Legion, and a past member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles.
Outside of his professional life, he loved living on the farm, raising cattle, and tending to a large garden every year; he took great pleasure in sharing his bountiful produce with friends and family. He also spent years coaching his four sons in Park Board and Babe Ruth baseball, as well as their grade school basketball teams. In retirement, he and Millie explored the world together, traveling to Germany, Alaska, Brazil, Australia, Ireland, Hawaii, and many other locations.
Survivors include his wife, Millie Bernskoetter, Jefferson City; seven children, Jeanne (Doug) Westhues, Jefferson City; Michael (Jeannette) Bernskoetter, Jefferson City; Linda Bernskoetter, Overland Park, KS; Bill (Debbie) Bernskoetter, Webster Groves; Jim (Laurie) Bernskoetter, Jefferson City; Rob (Tracy) Bernskoetter, Hartsburg; Beth (Bill) Plank, Jefferson City; 18 grandchildren, Brian, Krista, Kyle, Luke, Sean, Chris, Andrew, Sarah, Haley, Ainsley, Kelsi, Nick, Kylie, Ryan, Colin, Devin, Will, and Josie; 14 great-grandchildren; his sister, Norma (Charles) Bexten, Jefferson City; and his brother, Harry (Cathy) Bernskoetter, Taos.
He was preceded in death by his parents; two grandchildren, Taylor and Sammie Bernskoetter; his sister, Mary Ann (Lloyd) Reinkemeyer; and his brother, Robert Bernskoetter.
Burial with military honors will be in Resurrection Catholic Cemetery.
Memorial contributions can be made to the Immaculate Conception School Capital Campaign or to the Vitae Foundation.