Bernard Cornelius Holtmeyer, age 75, of St. Anthony, passed away surrounded by his family on Sunday, April 6, 2025, at Osage Beach Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center.  He was born on April 23, 1949, son of the late Conrad and Hedwig Bertha (Herx) Holtmeyer.  On July 11, 1970, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Bernard was united in marriage to Rosetta Brand, who survives at their home.

Bernard served his country with honor as a veteran of the Vietnam War, proudly enlisting in the United States Air Force. He was a past employee at St. Elizabeth TV and Appliance, Iberia Lumber Yard in the flooring department, and was most recently employed at St. Elizabeth R-IV School District in the custodial department. His dedication and strong work ethic were evident in all his endeavors.

His favorite pastimes included coon hunting, fishing, gigging, squirrel and rabbit hunting, and cutting wood.  Bernard cherished his grandchildren deeply, finding immense joy in spending time with them and passing down his love for nature and outdoor activities.

In addition to his loving wife Rosetta Holtmeyer, he is also survived by six children, Jacqueline (Jerry) Wankum of Meta, Patricia (Randy) Lehmen of Osage Bend, Jason (Stacy) Holtmeyer of Tebbetts, Pamela (Samuel) Cotten of Eldon, Jessica (Aaron) Cox of Cassville, and Patrick (Katalin) Holtmeyer of Iberia; 21 grandchildren, Tyler (Olivia) Wankum, Alicia Wankum (Matt Kliethermes), Brittany (Henry) Kremer, Brenden Harris, Breanna Holtmeyer, Aryelle Holtmeyer, Izabella Holtmeyer, Lucas Holtmeyer, Isaiah Holtmeyer, Roselyn Holtmeyer, Sabastion Holtmeyer, Daniel Cotten, Victoria (Sam) Hettich, Laura (Tim) Witt, Nathanael (Alexis) Cotten, Kendra Cotten, Madalyn Cotten, Jacob Cotten, Annabeth Cotten, Emma Cox, and Weston Holtmeyer; two great-grandchildren, Abigail and Jonathan Hettich; one great-grandson on the way; five siblings, Raymond Holtmeyer of Pennsylvania, Harold Holtmeyer of St. Anthony, Danny Holtmeyer of St. Anthony, Roman (Virginia) Holtmeyer of Meta, and Marcella Bock of Meta; and a host of family and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Conrad and Hedwig Holtmeyer; five brothers, Victor (Margaret) Holtmeyer, James (Nancy) Holtmeyer, Alvis (Marilyn) Holtmeyer, Ignatius "Stub" (Dolores) Holtmeyer, and Ralph Holtmeyer; sister, Margaret (George) Buechter; three sisters-in-law, Freda Holtmeyer, Viola Holtmeyer, and Veronica Holtmeyer; and brother-in-law, Larry Bock.

Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m., with a prayer service at 4 p.m., on Thursday, April 10, at the St. Anthony Hall.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, April 11, at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church in St. Anthony with Fr. Christopher Aubuchon officiating.  Interment with military honors will be held in St. Anthony Cemetery.

Memorial contributions are suggested to the Bernard Holtmeyer Memorial Fund.

Bernard's family wants to thank all who took the time to visit and check in on Bernard and his family during this difficult time, especially his hospice nurses, whose care went above and beyond. Your kindness and compassion have been a source of comfort and strength for them.

Arrangements are under the direction of Fancher-Rekus Funeral Home in Iberia.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.fancher-rekusfuneralhomes.com.