Bernie was a pillar of the community. She had the remarkable talent of forming lasting relationships wherever she traveled and with those she taught. She never met a stranger and always had a hug or word of advice to share. A teacher by trade, she spent years instructing classes in English and other subjects. She loved children and taught bible study classes for many years. Bernie was a graduate of Concordia University in Chicago.
Bernie was preceded in death by her parents Harvey and Ann Gutknecht and daughter Theresa “Terry” Keairns.
She is survived by her devoted husband of 54 years Calvin “Casey” Keairns. Children, Margaret “Margie” Vaughn, James “Jim” Keairns (Heidi), and sister Beverly Clark (Doug), daughter by proxy Jeannie Centeno (Enrique), grandchildren Joy Vaughn, Jonathan Vaughn (Kate Howden), Josiah Vaughn (Abby), Joanna Vaughn, Daniel Keairns (Shelby Rich), Abigail “Abbie” Hessian (Josh) and numerous great grandchildren.
Friends and family may attend a memorial service at the Living Word Lutheran Church at 9500 North Panther Creek Drive, The Woodlands, TX 77381 on Saturday, February 8, 2025 beginning at 2:00 PM.
In lieu of flowers, send memorials to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital in Bernie’s name.
Bernie will be missed by all of us who had the privilege to know her, and we will cherish the many wonderful memories she left behind.
Matthew 5:4
Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.