Bernardine (Bernie) Peintner Kallaus

Bernardine (Bernie) Peintner Kallaus, after a life well-lived, died Thursday, April 30, 2015, at Manor of the Plains in Dodge City at the age of 96. She was born in Spearville, Kansas, on September 26, 1918, the eldest daughter of George and Minnie Peintner of Windthorst, Kansas. Bernie married Charles Kallaus at the Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Windthorst on her birthday in 1940. They had one son, Kenny. 

Despite the deaths of her husband and four-year-old son in a tragic car accident in which Bernie was one of the few survivors, her faith in God was forever strong and guided her life. An ardent and faithful member of the Catholic Church, she was for many years the housekeeper for Msgr. Al Preisner, living in Larned, Liberal, and Dodge City, where she retired. She was reputed to be “one of the best cooks in Dodge” by many of the clergy, friends and family who were recipients of her hearty and delicious meals. Some think no one could make a fresh apple cake better than she could! 

She was a member of the Cathedral of Our Lady of Guadalupe and Altar Society both in Dodge City. 

She is survived by her brother Mel Peintner and his wife Jean of Dodge City; sisters LaVona Stremel Schlicher of Aiea, Hawaii; Geneva Ridenhour of Aurora, Colorado; and Marieta Fairless and her husband Chuck of Tulsa, Oklahoma, as well as numerous nephews and nieces. 

She was predeceased by her parents Minnie and George, her husband Charlie, son Kenny, brothers Clayton Peintner, Harold Peintner, Donald Peintner and nephew Rock Peintner. 

A vigil will be held at 7:00 pm Sunday, May 3, 2015 at Ziegler Funeral Chapel, Dodge City. The Funeral Mass will be held at 10:00 am Monday at Sacred Heart Cathedral, 901 Central Ave., Dodge City, with Fr. Wesley Schawe presiding. Burial will be in Holy Cross Cemetery, Windthorst followed by a luncheon at Our Lady of Guadalupe Cathedral, Dodge City. Visitation will be noon to 7:00 pm Sunday at Ziegler Funeral Chapel. 

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her memory to Sacred Heart School Endowment or the Windthorst Heritage Foundation, Inc both in care of Ziegler Funeral Chapel, 1901 N. 14th Ave., Dodge City, Kansas 67801.