GREENWOOD
Bernard H. “Bernie” Augenstein, 70, of Greenwood, died peacefully in his sleep July 2, 2016.
He was born May 2, 1946, in Delaware, Ohio, to the late Robert Hoke and Irene Fern (Somerlot) Augenstein.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Nancy, and brother, Martin Augenstein.
He is survived by his wife, Linda M. (Dunsmore) Augenstein, to whom he was married July 10, 1971, in Indianapolis; son, Fr. Eric Augenstein of the Archdiocese of Indianapolis; brothers, David (Phyllis) of Rives Junction, Michigan, Bob (Elaine) of Marion, Ohio, Lynn (Ruthie) of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida; sisters-in-law, Judy of Marion, Ohio and Sharon (Hugh) Gartrell of Greenwood; and several nieces and nephews.
Bernie graduated from River Valley High School in Marion, Ohio, in 1964, and Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, in 1968 with a degree in accounting, where he was a member of Delta Theta Phi Law Fraternity.
He worked for Indiana Farm Bureau Co-op and CountryMark Co-op for 26 years and then as a computer software trainer for Batesville Casket Company for 10 years before retiring in 2011.
A faithful member of Cross of Grace Lutheran Church, Bernie most recently served on the Synod Council of the Indiana-Kentucky Synod of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA). He was active in many ways in church and community organizations, including singing in choirs and playing keyboard for worship services.
He was a devoted Ohio State fan, an enthusiastic bicyclist, and an amateur lighthouse hunter, having visited 252 throughout the United States.
His life and ministry reached throughout both Lutheran and Roman Catholic churches, and he was a strong supporter of those discerning ministerial vocations.
Visitation will be held from 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at Cross of Grace Lutheran Church, 3519 S. County Road 600 West, New Palestine and beginning at 9 a.m. Saturday at the church. The funeral service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday at the church. A private committal service will be at Calvary Cemetery in Indianapolis.
Bernie asked that those attending the funeral should wear colorful clothing (no black!) in celebration of the joy of the resurrection promised by Jesus Christ.
In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to the Cross of Grace Lutheran Church Mission Endowment Fund c/o Cross of Grace Lutheran Church, 3519 S. 600 West, New Palestine, IN 46163.
Arrangements are entrusted to Wilson St. Pierre Funeral Service & Crematory in Greenwood.
You are invited to read Bernie’s obituary at wilsonstpierre.com, where you may sign the guest book, share a personal message for the family.
