Bernard A. Ruthmeyer

Bern was born on December 3, 1937, to Bernard and Agnes Ruthmeyer, in St. Louis. He met Martha (nee Ferree) at St. Louis University, and he has been a devoted husband to Martha for the past 62 years.

Bern was a loving father to 5 children: Bernard J. (Mary Ann) Ruthmeyer, Laura Menzenwerth, Amy (Craig) Wisner, Elaine, (Jim) Little, and Martha (Kevin) Seidenwand; a cherished Grandpapa to Leo Ruthmeyer, Brittany Menzenwerth, Meghan Menzenwerth, Madeline (Carlos) Edwards, Alicia Wisner, Alec Wisner, Ellie Wisner, Michelle (Isaac) Murrin, Heather Little, Beatrice Seidenwand, and August Seidenwand; proud Great Grandpapa to Ezekiel Edwards; and uncle, godfather, cousin and friend of many. He was preceded in death by brother Donald Ruthmeyer and sister Barbara Mamanella.

As a lifelong resident of the St. Louis area, Bern attended St.Paul the Apostle Grade School, De Andreis High School, followed by one year at Kendrick Seminary, and then St. Louis University where he received a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and J.D. degree.

While in the army reserves, he began his 50-year legal career. He was a partner in a private law firm working in the areas of small business, estate planning, and workers’ compensation; he was managing partner for many of these years.

Even with a very successful career, Bern always made time to coach all five children’s baseball/softball, soccer or basketball teams at St. Richard Grade School, and served as president of both the athletic association and the West County Soccer League.

Bern was a man of devout faith. In 1965, he and Martha became members of the recently founded St. Richard Catholic Parish in Creve Coeur. Over the years, Bern volunteered in many capacities, from representing the parish on the Northwest Deanery and serving on the finance committee to regularly serving as a lector and eucharistic minister.

Bern’s passion was maintaining his impressive vegetable garden. He and Martha enjoyed attending the Muny Opera and Fox Theater Broadway shows, as well as traveling, ultimately visiting all 50 states and many foreign countries. But most of all, he loved taking long walks hand in hand with Martha and laughing with his children and grandchildren.

Bern was known for his love of chocolate, especially ice cream, along with his sense of humor, pranks, and quick wit. His Dad jokes and his smile will forever be remembered by all who met him. His humility, anonymous gifting, and desire to use his skills to help those in need are traits his children try to emulate. While his early dream was to become a professional baseball player, he will be remembered as he wanted to be remembered: “as a good guy with a sense of humor.”

Visitation will be held from 4:30 to 7:30pm on Friday, July 12, 2024, at Kriegshauser Mortuary-West Chapel, 9450 Olive Blvd, St. Louis, MO 63132. Mass will held at 11:00 on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at St. Richard Catholic Church, 11223 Schuetz Rd, St. Louis, MO 63146. Interment will immediately follow at Calvary Cemetery, 5239 W Florissant Ave., St. Louis, MO 63115.

Memorial contributions can be made via the following link to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research: http://tribute.michaeljfox.org/tribute-page.php On the site, search for Bern Ruthmeyer’s name to reach the personalized page.