Gustav "Gus" W. T. Berninghaus

Gustav "Gus" W. T. Berninghaus, age 95, of Osakis, went peacefully to be with his Lord in his heavenly home on Sunday, September 28, 2025, at his home in Osakis.

A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, October 6, 2025, at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alexandria, with Pastor Jonathan Jahnke officiating. Full military honors will be accorded by the Minnesota Honor Guard, Marine Corps League Detachment #1409, and the Brandon American Legion Post #278. Interment will take place following the service at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery in Little Falls.

Visitation will be held from 5–7 p.m. on Sunday, October 5, 2025, at Lind Family Funeral Home in Alexandria, concluding with a prayer service and time of sharing. Visitation will continue one hour prior to the service at the church.

Gustav Werner Theodore was born on December 13, 1929, to Gustav and Alvina (Oswald) Berninghaus at home on the farm in West Bend, Iowa. He was the youngest of five children and the only boy. Gus grew up helping on the family farm and attended school in West Bend, where he participated in musicals, sang in the choir, was active in FFA, and proudly showed his Holsteins in 4H before graduating in 1947. In 1951, Gus enlisted in the United States military. When asked what division, he replied, “Wherever you need me.” This began his Marine training and eventual deployment to Japan during the Korean conflict. After his honorable discharge, he returned home to help his father on the farm and worked at the local implement shop. Gus remained proud of his service as a Marine and stayed connected through active involvement in the VFW and American Legion. In 1962, Gus met his beautiful bride, Jo (Bargman), and they were united in marriage on February 10, 1963, at Peace Lutheran Church in West Bend. Together they were blessed with three children: Debra, Tracy, and Michael. In 1969, they moved to Osakis, where they continued farming and raised their family. Gus enjoyed farming and being outdoors. When farming was no longer an option, he and Jo moved into town, where he continued to share his love of the outdoors and helping others through lawn mowing, snow removal, and delivering Meals on Wheels. He remained active in his community, proudly working at the Senior Center until the age of 87. He raised his children and grandchildren with love, a strong work ethic, and the faith that guided his life, while creating lasting memories with both his family and his church family. Gus continued to grow in his faith as an active member of Redeemer Lutheran Church in Osakis, where he was involved in the Lutheran Laymen’s League both locally and in the Alexandria Zone. In 2002, he and Jo became members of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Alexandria, their new church home. There he shared his faith through many roles—acting in the Passion Drama for several years, greeting, ushering, and playing on the Dart Ball team. He will be remembered by his family for his steadfast faith and strength through the challenges of farming, the joy he found in celebrations, and the twinkle in his eye whenever he saw his grandchildren and great-grandchildren—always trusting that the Lord was by his side.

Preceding him in death are his parents; sisters, Viola Berninghaus, Esther (Tim) Klein, Pauline (Gene) Elbert, and Alvina (Les) Walker; nephew, Bob; and niece, Mary.

Gus is survived by his wife and dream girl, Jo Berninghaus of Osakis; his children, Debra (Chet) Hull of Osakis, Tracy (Butch) Caughey of Brainerd, and Michael (Sharein) Berninghaus of Long Prairie; grandchildren, Donald, Samantha, Robert, Bryce, Joseph, Timothy, and Micayla; great-grandchildren, Westley, Grace, Lydia, Oliver, and Audrey; and many nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Vivie Hospice and to Linda Rauschendorfer for the kindness, care, and support they gave to Gus and his family.