Bernan H. Theunissen, Sr.

Bernan H. Theunissen, Sr., 92, passed into eternal life on Nov. 7, 2021.

Visitation will be held at Matthews and Son Funeral Home in Jennings today, Wednesday, Nov. 10, 2021, from 3-8 p.m., with a Rosary recited at 6 p.m. Visitation will resume Thursday, Nov. 11, from 10 a.m. until departure for the 1:30 p.m. funeral mass at Our Lady Help of Christians Catholic Church. Immediately following funeral mass, a Rite of Christian Burial will be held at Greenwood Cemetery.

His entire adult life was spent in Jennings, where he developed deep ties to the community through agribusiness, church, school and civic involvement.

As a teenager, he began working for Farm Supply Company, Inc., and quickly rose into sales, then management. Years later, he purchased the business along with co-owner Allen Medus. After more than two decades of partnership, they sold Farm Supply and retired.

He deeply cared about agriculture and its people, working hard on their behalf in both industry and political endeavors. He was also committed to his Catholic faith and especially support of Catholic schools, serving in important roles at Our Lady Help of Christians, Our Lady Immaculate and St. Maria Goretti High School.

In years past, he was an active member of the Jaycees and various other service organizations. He was a devoted husband to his beloved wife of 70-plus years, Carol (Bryan) Theunissen. One of his life’s greatest joys was active involvement with his four boys, including years as a youth baseball coach and Cub Scout pack leader.

Retirement allowed even more time with his sons, Bernan, Jr. “Bub” (Jamie), Randy (Kay), Kendall and Marcus (Jeri), along with their families, which include numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

He was the son of Peter Theunissen, Sr., and Lillian (Green) Theunissen and brother of Daisy (deceased), Gertie (deceased), Daniel (deceased), Peter, Jr. (deceased), Pirmin (deceased), Jerry and Julo Theunissen.