Bernard A Kirchner

Mankato Mortuary
1001 N. Riverfront Drive
Mankato, Minnesota 56001
507-388-2202

Bernard "Ben" Arthur Kirchner, age 86, of Mankato, died Saturday, May 17, 2014 at his home.

Funeral Service will be held at 11:00 a.m., Thursday, May 22, 2014 at Bethlehem Lutheran Church, Mankato with Rev. Jay Dahlvang, officiating. Visitation will be held from 4-7 p.m. Wednesday at Mankato Mortuary and will continue one hour before service at church on Thursday. Burial will be in Minneopa Cemetery, rural Mankato.

Ben was born October 31, 1927 in Faribault, MN to Arthur and Eva (Dimig) Kirchner. He attended elementary school in Dodge Center and high school in Waterville. Ben served his country with the U.S. Army from 1946-47. Ben married Joanne M. Jameson on July 13, 1948 at Grace Lutheran Church, Mankato.

He had been employed by the Chicago and North Western Railroads for 46 years until his retirement in 1989. Ben was a member of Bethlehem Lutheran where he had served as an usher.

Ben enjoyed ice fishing, deer and pheasant hunting, playing cards, gardening, mowing lawn on his new John Deere, and especially time spent with family and friends.

Ben is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Joanne; son, Thomas both of Mankato; sister-in-law, Tamera Berg and husband, Allen of Dana Point, CA; sister-in-law, Donna Kirchner of Rochester; nieces, nephews, and extended family.

Ben was preceded in death by his parents, Arthur and Eva; son, Bruce in 1990; two brothers, Joseph Kirchner and wife, Arlene and Richard Kirchner.