Bernard Arnold Doepkens
February 20, 1928 ~ October 17, 2009
Services:
A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 10:00 AM in Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Bushwood, MD., with Fr. Francis Early officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery.
Visitation:
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 from 5:00 PM - 8:00 PM in the funeral home chapel, with prayers being recited at 7:00 PM.
Bernard Arnold " Bernie" Doepkens, Sr., 81, of Chaptico, MD and formerly of Harwood, MD died Saturday, October 17, 2009 at St. Mary's Nursing Center in Leonardtown, MD after a lengthy illness. Born on February 20, 1928, he was the son of the late Elizabeth and Henry Doepkens. Bernie grew up in Anne Arundel County and graduated from Annapolis High School. In his younger years he had a pilot license and enjoyed flying. He spent most of his life as a farmer and a tobacco buyer and for several years he ran the tobacco warehouse at Wayson's Corner until his retirement in 1998. He was the husband of Lucille Bailey Doepkens for almost 25 years. In 2004 he and Lucille left Harwood and moved to Chaptico and enjoyed the peace and quiet of their beautiful home on the Wicomico River. He is survived by his wife, Lucille, his sons, Bernard A. Doepkens, Jr., Martin L. Doepkens and his daughter Ruth Ann Scheler (Dave) all of Harwood, MD. His Step-children Carol Ann Hall (Satch) and Jean Wathen (Mike) of Chaptico, Jay Farr (Rita) of Leonardtown and Mike Farr (Mary) of Mechanicsville as well as eleven grandchildren and twelve great-grandchildren. He is also survived by a sister, Mary Helen Scible of Davidsonville, MD. He was predeceased by siblings, Clara, Alma, Theresa, William and Mathias. Bernie was a "True Gentleman", kind and caring. He enjoyed playing cards, traveling on bus trips where he made many friends, wildlife of any kind, spending time with his great-grandchildren and special friends, Ann & Ray Finley and former daughter-in-law Kathy Doepkens.
The family will receive friends on Wednesday, October 21, 2009 from 5:00PM - 8:00 PM in the Mattingley-Gardiner Funeral Home chapel where prayers will be recited at 7:00PM. A Mass of Christian burial will be celebrated on Thursday, October 22, 2009 at 10:00AM in Sacred Heart Catholic Church with Fr. Francis Early officiating. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. Pallbearers will be Bradley Doepkens, Kevin Hall, Joe Farr, David Farr, Michael Wathen and Jack Tippett.
Contributions may be made to the Seventh District Volunteer Rescue Squad, P.O. Box 7, Avenue, MD 20609.
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“I always called you Mrs. Farr. You were my favorite teacher. I’m so sorry for your loss. Please remember that you are in my thoughts and prayers. I will always be so greatful to you for being not just my favorite teacher but also my best friend. I felt so special because I got to spend two years in second grade with you and no one else did. If you need someone to keep you company. Please call me I would love to spend some time with you. I will love you always.”
“We are so sorry for your loss. We will pray for you and your family. “
“Lucille and family: I am so sorry for your loss of Bernie. I know how happy you two were. He will be your guardian angel, looking down to help guide you and your family on your way. I’m glad I had the opportunity to visit with him on Thursday. He will be in my thoughts and prayers. Take care.”
“Lucille and family, My sincere condolences and prayers are with you and your family. Bernie will truly be missed. I wish Comfort, Peaceful Moments, Renewed Strength, Hope and my deepest sympathy. “
“My thoughts and prayers are with Bernie and his family. Mike often told stories of how kind and fun loving his step-father was. I know you all will miss him dearly. He is at peace and with the Lord. “
“We are so sorry for your loss. We are keeping everyone in our thoughts and prayers.”
“Our heartfelt sympathy to Lucille and family. What a nice gentle, kind man. May he rest in peace and may God be with all of you. With thoughts and prayers from…….”
“Bernie Jr. and family You have my thoughts and prayers. Fondly”
“Marty and family: We are very sorry for your loss, and will see you at the funeral mass and visitation. Call us if we can help in any way.”
“”Aunt Lucille, heaven has gained a wonderful angel as we have lost a wonderful man. May your many many loving memories bring you comfort and peace. Much love always.”
“Lucille and family ~ we are truly sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this most difficult time.”
“We will miss Bernie around the nursing home in the evenings when we were there visiting with Pete and Frances. We thought a lot of Bernie and the family. Our thoughts are with you all. Love, Peter Mozick, Mary Ellen and Patricia Woo”
“I’ll always remember Uncle Bernie’s gentle smile. A smile that was so warm and friendly that reflected the person within. I’ll miss my Uncle Bernie but I know he has taken with him all the love of his family and friends. God bless you Uncle Bernie. “
“LUCILLE, CAROL ANN AND SATCH, WE ARE SORRY FOR YOUR LOSS OF BERNIE. WHENEVER WE WERE WITH THE 3 OF YOU HE WAS ALWAYS SMILING AND VERY KIND TO EVERYONE.”
“Marty and family: May all of the memories of your father help during this difficult time. God bless you and comfort you. Frank and Debra Disharoon”
“I am truly sorry of the loss of Uncle Bernie. I have such fond memories of him from my childhood. I will never forget him. My prayers go out to his family. And a special hello to Bernie and Marty. Love, Cousin Lynn”
“Lucille and Family So sorry to hear of your loss. May God Bless you and your family in this time.”
“To The Doepkens Family: Please know our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.”
“My most heartfelt condolences to Lucille, Bernie, Marty, and Ruth Ann. Uncle Bernard will always be remembered as a kind, gentle soul and will be missed by everyone who was lucky enough to have known him. My prayers are with you all.”
“My prayers go out to my cousins Ruth Ann, Marty and Bernie and Aunt Lucille, that you may find comfort in family and friends. It is not easy to loose a parent, but hold fast to your memories and he will always be with you, your guardian angel. I pray that your family may heal and the pain subside so you are only left with happy memories.”