Bernard “Bernie” Gantenbein Jr., age 80, of Carbondale, Illinois, peacefully passed away on Monday, April 29, 2024, at Reflections Memory Care in Carterville, IL.

Born on December 11, 1943, in Olney, IL, Bernie was the son of Bernard and Catherine (Zimmerle) Gantenbein. On May 13, 1972, he married Barbara (Lipe) Gantenbein in Carbondale.

Bernie is survived by his wife of 51 years, Barbara Gantenbein, and daughter, Carolyn Skouby (Brian), of DeSoto, IL. He is also survived by his brother, Robert “Bob” Gantenbein, and sister, Cathy King, both of Olney, IL, along with close family friend, Loretta Seibert, of Carbondale, IL and his loving dog Bo of Carbondale, IL.

Preceding him in death were his parents and his sister-in-law, Ressie Gantenbein.

Bernie dedicated 35 years of his life to the Information Technology Department at Southern Illinois University, retiring in 2003. Prior to working at SIU, he proudly served his country in the U.S. Army.  

An avid supporter, Bernie was passionate about both the Salukis and the St. Louis Cardinals.   Over the years Bernie enjoyed bowling and playing golf.  In his later years he enjoyed shooting pool on various teams in southern Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bernie’s honor to Alzheimer’s Association of Illinois or Hospice of Southern Illinois.

No services will be held at this time.

Arrangements were entrusted to Meredith Funeral Home in Carbondale. To share a story or memory of Bernie, please visit www.meredithfh.com.

Meredith Funeral Home, Carbondale, IL