Bernard A. Stremlau

Bernard A. Stremlau

July 4, 1933 – April 29, 2025

Bernard A. Stremlau, 91, peacefully passed away with family by his side Tuesday, April 29, 2025, near his long-time home in Omaha, Nebraska. He was born July 4, 1933, in Mendota, Illinois. He leaves ten children that were all married, 36 grandchildren, 53 great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild.

Bernie attended Holy Cross grade school and Mendota High. He went through school in the same grade as his next older brother. Kenny was his closest friend. They played high school football and went on double dates. After he graduated high school, he left the family farm and went into the U.S. Navy becoming a Sonarman.

Bernie was the baby of twelve children in a farming community. Much of his formation was from his experiences on the farm and attending as his mother’s helper in the house. Family, faith, and “face what is in front of you” is his steady footing. This helped his young family out when he was married at age 22 and the couple immediately were in military housing in Key West, Florida. The first of their children was born there and brought a new understanding of life and love to Bernie.

Nine more children came to them over the next fifteen years and almost as many moves with stints in radio, newspaper, Fuller Brush sales, and ultimately to Omaha with Central States Health & Life Insurance. Maintaining insurance sales, then trainer, then regional manager allowed Bernie to travel, a couple company trips to Hawaii included.

After a divorce Bernie became a single father with five children still in the home. Within a couple of years, he was remarried to Evelyn. Bernie led this new couple forward with teenagers surrounding them.

Bernie kept active and social, always eager to make someone feel recognized and bring people together including men’s basketball in the church league, singing in the church choir at every church he was a member of, a team member of Beginning Experience and nine years on a 2nd Marriage Program, tennis, volleyball in the back yard, support of the Sacred Heart choir and their CUES program, couples clubs, mystery dinners, card groups at every place he lived while married and single, coordinating talent shows, welcoming and giving tours to the new residents at his last couple living locations.

Bernie and Evelyn began camping their way to all four corners of the United States and everything in between with many hours sharing ideas, prayers, and dreams.

Bernie began writing at age 82 with many stories from his life and loved ones. Then he leaned into writing poetry. He wrote for a friend’s birthday, to share a story, or to record a moment in time. He bound several of these and called the “book” THE DASH, as in the dash between the year you are born and the year of your death. There is a THE DASH II because there was more to tell. These will pass on his message through those who loved him. You can find some of these writings on his YouTube channel by searching Bernie Stremlau. https://www.youtube.com/@BernieStremlau

Bernie’s family will always remember him for his strength, character, integrity, and sense of humor.

Preceded in death by wife, Evelyn; parents, Joseph and Catherine; brothers and sisters; daughter-in-law, Barbara “Gracie” Stremlau; stepson, Darin Clifford.

Survived by children: Cindy Zimmerman (Bill), Jodi Ross (Terry), Tony Stremlau, Vince Stremlau (Jackie), Trish Dorr (David), Bobbi Randall (Jess), Lyn Belitz (David), Jacqui Molina (David), John Stremlau (Kathleen) and Matt Stremlau (Jen); daughter-in-law, Linda Pink; stepchildren, David Clifford (Sue), Deborah Hoagbin (Paul); numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild.

Vigil Service: Sunday, May 4^th, 6pm at West Center Chapel with visitation from 4:30-6:00pm.

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, May 5^th, 10am at Sacred Heart Catholic Church (2207 Wirt Street, Omaha, Ne, 68110).

Interment: Resurrection Cemetery (7800 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne, 68124)

Memorials may be directed to Sacred Heart Catholic Church (2207 Wirt Street, Omaha, Ne, 68110).

To view live broadcasts of the Vigil Service and Funeral Mass, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and press the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.

Heafey-Hoffmann-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha, Ne 68124. (402)-391-3900. www.heafeyheafey.com