Bernard Darveaux Sr. 1931-2021

Bernard Joseph “Bunny” Darveaux Sr., 90, Holton, died Saturday, July 17, 2021, at The University of Kansas Medical Center in Kansas City.

He was born March 2, 1931, in Rulo, Neb., the son of Peter Bernard and Mary Augusta Majerus Darveaux. He attended Falls City High School in Nebraska.

Mr. Darveaux worked in the construction industry and was a farmer. He worked for a contractor from Florida and helped build Valley Falls School, Jackson Heights Missile Base, White Lakes Mall in Topeka, the Rulo bridge, Gage Park Swimming Pool and other structures. He owned and operated Darveaux Construction Company for many years and buried telephone cable for Continental, United, Bell, Sprint and Rainbow telephone companies.

He was a former member of St. Dominic Catholic Church in Holton and a current member of St Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Valley Falls and the Knights of Columbus.

He married Rita Ann Keolzer on Nov. 28, 1950, in Falls City, Neb. She survives.

Other survivors include his children, Gerald J. Darveaux and wife Lori, Valley Falls, Cindy A. Darveaux, Nortonville, Bill J. Darveaux and wife Terri, Holton, Cathryn A. Lauer and husband Andrew John, Meriden, and Bernard J. “B.J.” Darveaux Jr. and wife Kristina, Ozawkie; three sisters, Mary G. Terry, Meriden, Barbara Schuetz, Hiawatha, and Joyce A. Darveaux, Loveland, Colo.; three brothers, Peter Darveaux and wife Norene, Independence, Mo., Michael Darveaux and wife Barbara, Chicago, Ill., and Raphael Darveaux and wife Sharon, Falls City, Neb.; 13 grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren.

He was preceded in death by two sons, Glenn J. and Darrell J. Darveaux; a sister, Rita Metzner; two brothers, Gerard J., Raymond and Norbert Darveaux; and a grandson, Tyler Darveaux.

Mass of Christian burial will be held at 10 a.m. Monday, July 26 at St. Mary’s Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Valley Falls. A rosary will be recited at 9 a.m. Monday at the church. Inurnment will follow in St. Mary’s Catholic Cemetery in Valley Falls. Books will be available to sign at Mercer Funeral Home in Valley Falls and Holton.

Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, sent in care of Mercer Funeral Home, P.O. Box 6, Valley Falls, KS 66088.

The Holton Recorder

109 W. Fourth St.
Holton, KS 66436
Phone: 785-364-3141
 

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