Memorial services for 93-year old Bobby Bernhardt of Hay Springs, NE, are Friday, May 12, 2023 at 10:00 at the Methodist Church in Hay Springs.
Burial will be held in the Hay Springs City Cemetery.
Visitation is Thursday evening, May 11, from 5-7:00 at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron, NE.
In lieu of flowers, contributions for the First Baptist Church of Chadron, the Hay Springs Volunteer Fire Department, and the United Methodist Church of Hay Springs may be sent to Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron.
Online condolences may be left at chamberlainchapel.com
Bobby Jean Bernhardt – a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather – was born on Oct 9, 1929, in Marion, KS, and went home to be with his Lord and Savior in heaven on May 5, 2023.
“Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones.” Psalm 116:15
Bobby was the oldest of 10 children of John Balzer Bernhardt and Fern Morgart Bernhardt. He and his siblings were raised on farms outside of Marion, Tampa, Ramona, and Lost Springs.
From a young age, Bobby learned the importance of family, faith, country, hard work, discipline, and respect from his parents. These would shape his values throughout his life.
Growing up, he and his brothers loved playing softball and other sports after chores were completed. Bobby excelled in all sports and was a superb softball pitcher.
At the age of 18, Bobby moved to Nebraska to work on Henry Reimann’s farm. It was at this time that he met his future wife, Irene Elizabeth Anne Wittig, at a church function.
Bobby was drafted into the US Army during the Korean War and served as a medic at Fort Riley, KS, where he played on one of the Fort Riley softball teams. He was able to lead his team to the championship two years in a row as their pitcher.
After he was released from the Army, Bobby returned to Nebraska, married Irene on June 1, 1956, and bought a farm north of Hay Springs. Together they raised their family – Donell, Gordon, Devonne, Gloria, and Barbara – on the family farm and ran a successful cattle and wheat operation.
Aside from farming, Bobby enjoyed fishing, flying, and playing cards. He started volunteering at the Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in retirement while Irene would spend time with her mother who was a resident at the nursing home.
After Irene’s death, Bobby continued visiting his mother-in-law and volunteering at Pioneer Manor.
Bobby is survived by his children Gordon Bernhardt of Falls Church, VA; Devonne (Darrell) West of Cypress, TX; Gloria (Dom Tregre) Bernhardt of Mabank, TX; and Barbara (Bill) Wood of Belton, TX; 13 grandchildren; 6 great-grandchildren; and 4 siblings – Betty, Velma, Dale, and Linda.
Bobby was preceded in death by his beloved wife Irene, his daughter Donell, his father John, his mother Fern, and five brothers.
Bobby will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His legacy will be remembered as a follower of Christ, a devoted husband, a hardworking farmer/rancher, a loyal friend, and a loving family man.
Chamberlain Chapel of Chadron is in charge of arrangements for Bobby Bernhardt.
Bobby and I had some very interesting conversations over the years. I actually learned a lot from him and though we did not see each other much in recent years, I missed our talks — RIP Bobby … Sheriff Karl Dailey