The story of the Fellner Family Foundation began with one couple, their deep love for the Lord, and their unwavering belief in the value of Catholic education.

George and Bernadine Fellner met in 1949 and built a loving family of six in St. Paul, Minnesota. Both came from immigrant families — George’s family from Germany and Bernadine’s from Czechoslovakia — and their shared Catholic faith became the foundation that strengthened, guided, and united their family throughout their lives.

When it came time to educate their children, George and Bernadine made Catholic education a priority despite the financial sacrifices it required. George worked in a tool-and-die shop while Bernadine devoted herself to raising their children at home. Together, they understood firsthand the challenges many families face in striving to provide faith-based education and a better future for their children.

Today, in their honor, the Fellner Family Foundation continues their legacy of faith, compassion, and service. The Foundation’s mission is to walk alongside families as they prioritize education for their children while also working to address food insecurity and improve nutrition for vulnerable children and communities.