Gerald "Bear" Barenklau

Gerald E. "Bear" Barenklau, age 75, passed away on March 31, 2014 at North Point Skilled Nursing Center in Paola, Kansas. Gerald was born to William and Lillian Barenklau on January 4, 1939 in Chester, South Dakota. He finished high school in South Dakota before moving to Kansas with his family. In 1963, Gerald was united in marriage to Dixie M. (Buchanan) Ruddell in Miami, Oklahoma and they became parents to Kimberly "Kim" Ann and Robert Shane Barenklau. Gerald also became dad to Viva and Bradley Ruddell when he married Dixie. Gerald spent most of his working years in the warehouse at Sears & Roebuck. He was an avid cattleman and enjoyed going to livestock sales and shooting the bull with all of his farmer friends. He also enjoyed sharing his wisdom of life with his kids and grandkids. He was always willing to help anyone in need and spent many hours in hay fields across Miami County. He was a basketball enthusiast. He was preceded in death by his parents, infant brother Richard Allen and his wife Dixie. Survivors include brothers Earl (Joan) Barenklau of DeSoto, KS and Ronnie Barenklau of Olathe, KS; daughter Kimberly Barenklau of Paola, KS; son Robert (Amy) Barenklau of Paola, KS; stepdaughter Viva (John) Dix of Jerome, MO; stepson Bradley (Kathy) Ruddell of Greenwood, MO; 2 grandchildren (Haley & Chase Barenklau) of Paola, KS; 6 step-grandchildren and 11 step great grandchildren; and a multitude of friends. Many thanks to Heartland Hospice for their support and care and to all staff at North Point Skilled Nursing Facility for their care and love of Gerald for the time he was there. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial contributions to the Miami County Cancer Foundation. To share a memory of Gerald or leave a special condolence message for the family of Gerald please click the share memory tab. Osawatomie Cemetery Service: Thursday, April 03, 2014 at 2:00 PM Visitation: Wednesday, April 02, 2014 from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM