Father Gary A. Bernhardt, OFM, 56, of St. Anthony Parish in St. Louis, formerly of Quincy, passed away on Aug. 26. He was born on June 16, 1958 in Quincy, a son of Carl and Margie (Venvertloh) Bernhardt.

He attained the rank of Eagle Scout with Boy Scout Troop #1 in Quincy.

Father Gary attended Quincy College. He received a degree in engineering from Iowa State University. While at Iowa State he was a youth minister for two years. Father Gary had a bachelor’s degree in engineering, and master’s degrees in both theology and divinity. He worked at Gardner-Denver as a mechanical engineer for several years until he received his calling to join the Franciscans. He entered the Order of Friars Minor on June 28, 1985, became a deacon in 1998 and he was ordained a priest on April 24, 1999 in Quincy.

Father Gary served the people of God and the church in retreat and parish ministries for the Sacred Heart Province, in Indianapolis, Memphis, Nashville, Ashland, Ruston and in Quincy. Father Gary also served as secretary of the Franciscan Province from 1992-1996.

At the time of his death he held the position of director of Franciscan Charities and Development for the Sacred Heart Province. He also was spiritual assistant for the Secular Franciscan Fraternity located as St. Francis of Assisi Parish (Oakville) St. Louis.

He was an active member of the Healing Waters Project, working with veterans at Jefferson Barracks in St. Louis.

He is survived by his parents; four brothers, Michael (wife, Nancy) of Quincy, Dan (wife, Cheryl) of Kansas City, Mo., Randy (wife, Mona) of Antioch, and Joe, of Quincy; numerous aunts, nieces, nephews and other relatives. He was preceded in death by his grandparents and a sister, Connie.

Funeral services were held on Sept. 2 at the Duker & Haugh Funeral Home with a Mass of Christian Burial at St, Francis Solanus Church. Interment was in Calvary Cemetery.