Bernard "Bernie" Charles Fasnacht

A Man. A United States Marine. A Husband. A Father. A Grandfather. A Brother. A Friend. A Neighbor.

Bernard "Bernie" Charles Fasnacht, age 75, passed away on Friday, October 31, 2025 at the home he built in Madison Lake (Washington Township), MN. Bernie was born on November 3, 1949 in Mankato, MN to Anthony "Tony" J. and Margaret C. (Sipple) Fasnacht. Bernie attended All Saints Catholic School through 8th Grade and graduated in 1968 from Janesville Public High School.

A United States Marine

At just 18 years of age, on July 9, 1968, Bernie became a United States Marine. He was the kind of man who would have laid down his life for his country without hesitation. In 1969, he deployed to Vietnam, carrying the courage and conviction of his generation. He was honorably discharged in 1970 and carried the weight of that sacrifice with quiet dignity for the rest of his life.

A Husband

After returning home from the Marine Corps, Bernie met Nancy Dauk rollerskating, and they were married on May 5, 1973 at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in Mankato. For over 52 years, Bernie was devoted to Nancy with a love that defined him. He was the kind of husband who would give the very breath from his lungs for his wife. He was faithful, steady, and true until his final day.

A Father

Bernie and Nancy's union was blessed with five beautiful children: Matt, Deb, Michelle, Tony, and Emily. As a father, Bernie was their foundation. He was a family man to the core of his being; the kind of dad who worked himself to the bone without a single complaint so his children would have what they needed. He walked the hard walk when it wasn't easy, showing them through his actions what it meant to be a man of character and strength.

A Grandfather

To his grandchildren, Bernie was pure love wrapped in gentleness and wisdom. They knew him best for "the claw", that playful gesture that brought squeals of laughter and created memories that will continue to echo. Bernie also understood that love sometimes means boundaries. He wasn't afraid to discipline when needed, ensuring proper order was kept while teaching his grandchildren the values of respect and responsibility.

A Storyteller and a Friend

Bernie never met a stranger. Whether traveling in his fifth-wheel camper or working around town, he loved sharing one of his many stories. He could turn any moment into a memory and leave people better for having known him.

A Neighbor

Anyone in need, whether it was his children, his church, or a neighbor knew Bernie would always lend a helping hand. He was deeply respected in his community; a man whose work ethic was legendary and whose generosity knew no bounds. In his hands, a hammer and a roll of duct tape could fix just about anything!

A Worker

Bernie's post-war career began as an auto body repair tech and continued until he began working at the City of Mankato in 1974. He worked in the Central Garage for 23 years as a welder and repair tech, then transferred to the Street Department as a Foreman for 7-1/2 years, and ended his career with the City at the Park System as a Superintendent in 2010. His retirement lasted only 33 days before he was hired back part-time for various projects, finally ending his career at age 70 at the Mankato Regional Airport as a grounds maintenance tech. He enjoyed 6 years of well-earned retirement before the good Lord called him to more important business.

A Man of Faith

At home, Bernie was the calm in any storm, the steady center of the Fasnacht household. He was a man who lived his faith every day, devoted to God, to his Catholic church, and to living a life of service and love. He was deeply loved by his family, who will carry forward his legacy of sacrifice, hard work, devotion, and laughter.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents; father-in-law, Leo "Pete" Dauk; mother-in-law, Edith Dauk; brother, David Fasnacht; sister, Mary Ann "Minnie" McMonigal; brothers-in-law, Patrick McMonigal and Marlin Portner; nephew, Raymond McMonigal; son-in-law, Jon Marfell; and grandson, Jeremiah Fasnacht.

He is survived by his wife, Nancy (Dauk) Fasnacht; children, Matthew "Matt" (Rachel) Fasnacht, Debra "Deb" (Brian) Lamkin, Michelle Wittenburg, Anthony "Tony" (Melissa) Fasnacht and Emily Fasnacht; grandchildren, Amanda Pulliam (fiancé Wesley Barnett), Matthew Fasnacht, Mackenzie Fasnacht, Darrell (Maria) Fasnacht, Jalen Fasnacht, Catherine Fasnacht, Josephine Fasnacht, Lena Fasnacht, Abigail Fasnacht, Kenneth Fasnacht, Amirra Fasnacht, Lexi Lamkin, Dautry Lamkin, Keaton Lamkin, Mollie Lamkin, Everett Fasnacht, Kiyah Fasnacht and Kaitlyn Fasnacht; great-grandchildren, Gavin Pulliam, Marlea Pulliam, Joseph Barnett, Luca Barnett, and Ivory Barnett; siblings and in-laws, Kenneth "Kenny" Fasnacht, Agnes "Aggie" (Leon) Bartholome, William "Bill" Fasnacht, Esther (Ted) Ewert, George (Janet) Fasnacht, Carol Portner, and Michael "Mike" (Diane) Dauk.

Visitation will be held from 4-7pm, Thursday, November 6, 2025 at Mankato Mortuary (1001 N. Riverfront Drive, Mankato, MN 56001) with a rosary starting at 7pm. Funeral Mass will be 11am, Friday, November 7, 2025 at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church (105 N. 5th Street, Mankato, MN 56001) with visitation one hour prior. Full military honors will be held at the church following the service. Afterwards, please join the family for lunch and sharing of memories as we celebrate Bernie. Burial will follow at Calvary Cemetery in Mankato.

In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Camp Bara (www.bara.camp) – an organization co-founded by Bernie’s daughter, Emily, to help young girls find their purpose through Jesus.

Please share a memory of Bernie with his family, view his video tribute, and watch his service livestreamed at www.mankatomortuary.com

Semper Fidelis, Bernie. Always Faithful.

The live stream link below is a complimentary service provided by Mankato Mortuary.
Unforeseen technical, internet, facility, and/or acoustical circumstances may produce a diminished end product. 
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