February 25, 2015

Bernard James Geenens, 80, of Blue Mound, Kan., died at 1:40 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 18, 2015, following a courageous battle with cancer. Bernie was born April 24, 1934, to August Thomas and Josephine (Fastner) Geenens.
He attended Catholic schools. After graduating from De La Salle Academy in Kansas City, Mo., he attended Nelson Art Institute in Kansas City, Mo. Bernie joined the U.S. Army and was stationed in Greenland during the Korean War.
Bernard married Bernice Payden Sept. 19, 1957. Together they raised three children, but later divorced.
Bernie was a multi-talented man who was also deeply committed to the communities in which he lived. He grew huge gardens each year and enjoyed giving his produce to everyone in the community.
He was a member of Lions Club International and was president of the Mill Creek Rifle Club for many years. Bernie was very artistic. He made knives and cutlery, was a gunsmith, and could fix anything. He loved the outdoors and was a scuba diver and an avid hunter. He was one of the original builders of the Mill Creek Rifle Range. Bernie’s great loves in his later years were his dogs, especially Suzy.
Bernie was preceded in death by his parents; one brother who died in infancy; his daughter-in-law, Lilly Geenens; and one grandson, Stevie Denny who died from SIDS.
Survivors include his three children, Debra A. Stenstrom and her husband Dr. Mark L. of Junction City, Kan., Mark T. Geenens of Blue Mound, and Laurie Teter and her husband Steven of Garnett, Kan.; six grandchildren, Jeremy and Megan Stenstrom, Sara Geenens, Tara and Corey Denny, and Mitchell Teter, Derek Fletcher.
The family will receive friends from 5-7 p.m. Wednesday, Feb. 25, 2015, at Schneider Funeral Home & Crematory Mound City Chapel. The family suggests contributions to the American Cancer Society in care of the funeral home. Friends and family may leave online condolences at www.schneiderfunerals.com.