Joseph G. Bernal, Jr.

Joseph G. Bernal, Jr. went to be with his Savior and Lord Jesus on February 23, 2017. Even though he will be missed, his family is rejoicing in the fact that he is in the arms of Jesus.

Joe was born in Walsh, CO, on March 11, 1969, to Joseph and Susan Bernal who currently reside in Kim, CO. Joe grew up in Cheraw, CO, and he was 1 of 2 boys in a class of 13. Joe graduated from Cheraw High School in 1987 and went on to receive his teaching degree at Adams State College in 1993. Joe hired out with the BNSF Railway as a locomotive engineer in 1995 to present, a 22-year-career.

Joe was an exceptionally strong man that battled and beat cancer for seven years. His strength, courage and love for his family and Christ was an inspiration to all that knew him. Joe cherished his family and told them daily how much he loved them and how proud he was of them. Joe was a loving husband, father, grandfather, son, brother, and uncle. Joe wanted everyone to know that he does not feel that he lost his battle with cancer, but instead, he fought the good fight up until his Lord and Savior called him home.

Joe married Tambra Sue (Johnson) Bernal of Swink, CO, on August 24, 1991. He is survived by his wife, Tambra; children, Kreghan (Andrew) Eubank of Canon City, Ryhan Bernal, Christian Bernal, and Aeryn Bernal who reside in the family home in Fountain, CO; grandchildren, Zoie and Kennedy Eubank of Canon City. In addition, he is survived by his parents, Joseph and Susan Bernal of Kim, CO; brother, Gerome (Janine) Bernal of Grand Junction, CO; sister, Monia Bernal of La Junta, CO; and nephews, Antonio Flores of La Junta, CO, Matthew and Jon Dutro of Fort Collins, and Michael (Lauren) Bernal of Grand Junction; great-niece, Nyra Bernal of Grand Junction; mother-in-law, Sharron (Jim) Schoenfelder of Grand Junction, CO; and sister-in-law, Debbie Dutro of La Junta, CO. Joe is preceded in death by his father-in-law, Billie Johnson, and brother-in-law, Jesse Flores.

Visitation will be Wednesday, March 1, 2017 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Peacock Memorial Chapel in La Junta. The funeral service will be Thursday, March 2, 2017, at 2:00 p.m. at Valley Community Church, Rocky Ford, CO, with graveside to immediately follow at Fairview Cemetery in La Junta.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be made in Joe’s memory to Camp Salvation, 17625 Vigilante View, Fountain, CO 80817, direct or through the funeral home.

Peacock-Larsen Funeral Home & Arkansas Valley Crematory is in charge of arrangements.