Services to celebrate the life of 66-year old Berton “Bert” Deselms of Omaha, NE, are Sat, Feb 26, 2020 at 2:30 at Grace Episcopal Church in Chadron, NE.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Scatter Joy Acres in Omaha.
Online condolences may be made at chamberlainchapel.com.
Berton Leo “Bert” Deselms was born on October 21, 1955 in Kearney, NE, passed away peacefully February 7th, 2020 in Omaha, surrounded by loved ones.
Bert was the eldest of three children and attended public school in Chadron, graduating in 1974. In high school, he participated in golf, basketball, football and cross county.
Bert was introduced to the game of golf by his maternal grandparents, William (Bump) J. and Bernice (Bun) Nissen. His passion for the sport brought him to Snyder, TX, where he earned his Associate’s Degree in Horticulture from Western Texas College.
He spent most of his career as a golf course owner/manager in Texas and Kansas before ending his golf employment at Champions Run Golf Course in Omaha as a Senior Golf Course Maintenance Advisor.
Golf was not only his career, but a recreational activity he enjoyed with his mother, daughters, family, and friends. Bert had his first and only hole-in-one in 1972 at the age of 16 at Ridgeview Country Club in Chadron and it was the first hole-in-one for the newly-built course.
Bert’s passion for golf was closely rivaled by his passion for Nebraska Husker Football. He also had a soft spot for animals and became the owner of many strays that his daughters brought home.
Bert lived his last year of life enjoying retirement and caring for his mother in Chadron, where he enjoyed playing cribbage, watching Nebraska Husker Volleyball, cheering on his beloved Huskers, and loyally supporting the local bar, The Favorite, as he did for many years.
Bert was humorous, yet did not mince words. He was loyal and a dedicated father. He enjoyed stock conversations, a good sports bet, and his Budweiser beer.
He lived a full life, but what he was most proud of were his daughters and granddaughter. Bert played a lot of golf, drank his share of beer, and lived the good life.
Bert is survived by his daughters Jessica Deselms of Ottawa, KS & Sarah Deselms of Omaha; Granddaughter Maddison Deselms of Omaha NE; his mother Nancy Deselms of Chadron; brother Jay (Deb) Deselms of Platteville, CO; sister Cyd (Rod) Hanson of Chappell, NE; two nieces; one nephew; and his aunts, uncles and cousins.
Bert was preceded in death by his father, Dr Donald L Deselms.
The family of Bert Deselms would like to extend our sincere thanks to Dr Hauke and his team at Nebraska Cancer Specialists, the Radiology team at Estabrook Cancer Center, the Medical staff at Methodist Hospital, and everyone at Endless Journey Hospice.
Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements for Bert Deselms.
I have to say that Bert was one of the truly good guys. We were friends in Chadron since 3rd grade. He was talented in many ways, of course golf being his favorite talent. He will be missed by so many people, his classmates, and friends he has made along the way, his beautiful family and those stray animals!! Rest in peace my friend.
God bless him. I played many rounds of golf with Bert at Ridgeview CC in my early years and maybe, just maybe Bert shared a sip of his Colt 45 with me. My sincere condolences to his family.
Missing my Dear friend
RIP my friend! You will be missed!!
My deepest sympathy to the Deselms family. Bert will always hold a special place in my heart!
Bert was very special and loved by the entire Ross family, especially Polly. I bet Bert has already scored a hole in one up in heaven. God bless the Deselms family in this time of sorrow
I enjoyed playing golf with “HACK” in the summer of 75, I don’t know how many rounds Kevin Donahue & I played together
it was so much fun teasing one another when ever we made a bad shot & complimenting one another on a good shot. I’ll
bet his is playing golf with everybody up in Heaven , RIP “HACK” see you some day
I got to know Bert while working at the Chuck Wagon. As time went on Bert and I became close friends and shared many, many good times together. Yes Virginia, Bert was one of the good guys!