Jonathan William Bernau, born March 16, 2000, passed away peacefully surrounded by his family on August 2, 2026, at the age of 26.
Jonathan is survived by his parents, Jeremy (Jerry) and Lynn Bernau; his sisters, Lauren (Bernau) Mayek and Kristen Bernau-Wise; grandmother, Shirley Ann Bernau; nephews, Garrett Mayek and Grayson Wise; niece, Bryndee Wise and uncle, James (Jim) Bernau and family.
Jonathan was born with spina bifida and an Arnold-Chiari malformation, conditions that left his legs paralyzed and required supplemental oxygen through a tracheostomy and nutrition through a feeding tube. He required 24-hour care throughout his life and underwent numerous surgeries, including a 16-vertebrae spinal fusion. He also survived a prolonged seizure that lasted three and a half hours.
For 26 years, his mother, Lynn Bernau, dedicated her life to Jonathan’s care, alongside countless nurses, doctors, and other healthcare professionals. Shriners Children’s Hospital of Northern California provided much of his medical care during his first 21 years and played an important role in helping Jonathan survive and experience a remarkable quality of life.
Despite the many challenges he faced, Jonathan was perpetually positive and rarely seen without his beautiful smile. He accepted his circumstances without blame, shame, or frustration. He grew up surrounded by the love of his family, his nurses, and the many people whose lives he touched.
Although his complex medical needs prevented him from attending a traditional high school, Jonathan was educated at home and graduated from Oak Ridge High School in El Dorado Hills, California.
Travel was not always easy, but Jonathan loved exploring new places with his family. He looked forward to annual vacations at Detroit Lake in the Oregon Cascades and enjoyed numerous trips to Lake Tahoe and Clear Lake. He attended the Concours d’Elegance at Pebble Beach and played on the beach in Carmel using specially fitted balloon tires on his wheelchair. The highlights of his travels included his sister Kristen’s wedding in Oregon and flying to Wisconsin to attend his sister Lauren’s medical school graduation.
Closer to home, Jonathan enjoyed traveling along the accessible Dave Moore Trail to the South Fork of the American River, where he loved watching the river rafters. His interest in accessible recreation extended beyond his own enjoyment. He attended public meetings supporting the proposed accessible Lake Natoma Waterfront Trail and was honored to join Folsom Mayor Andy Morin in cutting the ribbon at the trail’s opening.
Jonathan also loved trains, especially steam locomotives. At the California State Railroad Museum and Railtown 1897, he rode both the Ghost Train and the Polar Express. In Folsom, he was given the special opportunity to ride on a test run of a 1909 steam locomotive operated by the PSVRR.
Another special place for Jonathan was Folsom’s Historic District. He enjoyed attending the Christmas Tree Lighting, Hometown Parade, Historic District Ice Rink, the Budweiser Clydesdales, and Christmas Eve services held in the outdoor amphitheater.
Jonathan’s life was ultimately cut short following complications related to a blockage in his ventricular shunt. The blockage led to dangerously increased pressure in his brain, resulting in massive strokes and extensive brain damage from which he did not recover.
Jonathan leaves behind not only a loving family, but also nurses, healthcare professionals, friends, and countless others whose lives were brightened by his smile, his positivity, and his determination to experience life despite the obstacles he faced.
Today, Jonathan is in heaven, a place where he is free from every disability and limitation. His beautiful smile, joyful spirit, and the love he shared with those around him will remain forever in the hearts of those who knew him.
Jonathan’s service will be held at Lakeside Memorial Lawn at 1201 Forrest Street in Folsom at 10:00 AM, Thursday, August 20.
In lieu of flowers, please donate in memory of Jonathan to Shriners Children’s Hospital Northern California. Those wishing to donate in Jonathan’s memory can do so by clicking here and following the instructions.
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