Bernard "Bernie" Trudeau (Camdenton)'s Obituary
Bernard “Bernie” Trudeau, 86, of Osage Beach, Missouri, passed away on July 20, 2026 in Sedalia. Bernie was born on July 10th, 1940 in Chicago, Illinois, to Clarence and Nellie, who preceded him in death.
Bernie worked in direct marketing for most of his life, moving through all areas of the business from programming to sales. He started at Spiegel soon after he was married to Christine, his life-long love of a 63 year-long marriage. Bernie was proud of his service in Korea in 1959, serving first as a medic before moving to the Army Band of the 4th Infantry playing the drums.
Upon his return, he met Christine and married her in 1963 after a two-year courtship. He attended the University of Illinois-Chicago, but finished his bachelor’s degree at Lewis University in Romeoville, IL. He left Spiegel to join a direct mail company, Metromail, founded by some co-workers—a company which was eventually acquired by RR Donnelly, who he worked for until retirement.
An avid fan of the Chicago Blackhawks and Bears and an avuncular story-teller, Bernie enjoyed life and was constantly looking for new challenges—such as earning his private pilot’s license and eventually building and flying two home-built airplanes. He loved Cajun music and often played the washboard sitting with favorite bands at festivals and concerts.
He was active at various times in the Moose, his gun club, the Elks, the American Legion and the Veterans of Foreign Wars, and was very proud of his time as a volunteer fireman/paramedic, service his father had also provided.
He is survived by his wife, Christine; his loving children Kevin, Claudine and Kenneth—who referred to him affectionately as “Holmes”—and their spouses Carolyn and Bill; his grandchildren, Aaron and Andrew; and his dog, Brody.
Funeral Mass will be held at 11:00 a.m., Friday, July 24, 2026, in St. Patrick’s Catholic Church, Laurie, MO. Visitation will be held from 9:30-10:30 a.m., with a Rosary service to be held at 10:30 a.m., prior to the mass.
Arrangements are under the direction of Allee-Holman-Howe Funeral Home, Camdenton, Missouri.
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