Bernard J. Barone

Bernard J. Barone

October 5, 1962 – August 27, 2021

Bernard J. Barone was a loving son, brother, uncle, cousin, nephew, grandfather, and friend.

He was born in Omaha, Nebraska on October 5, 1962.  In 1974, he moved with his family to North Platte, Nebraska, then moved to Ankeny, Iowa from 1979 until graduating from high school in 1982.  He attended college at Chadron State University on a wrestling scholarship.

Bernie was an avid hunter and fisherman.  He loved being on the lake waterskiing.  In 1988 he survived a tragic fireworks accident that changed his life drastically.  With time, he adjusted to his new life and never let his disabilities effect his strong work ethic.  He took up new hobbies and interests.  He became an impressive bowler and played on several bowling leagues.  He liked to golf, and he enjoyed country music and dancing.  One of his favorite pastimes was going to the casino to play the slots.  His friends called him the Slot King.  He also enjoyed playing Keno, betting on the dog races and treating his friends to elaborate dinners he “earned” at the Casino.  Special friends Edger and Cindy met Bernie and Diana weekly for dinner and to play Keno.

In 2009, he ran into his high school sweetheart, Diana, at an outdoor concert.  They got reacquainted and spent the next 12 years loving and taking care of each other.  Bernie was blessed to become an honorary father figure to her three children.  To quote the oldest son, Luke, “Bernie is a shining example of many things a man should be—hardworking, selfless, kind-hearted, and fun loving.”  As a special blessing, he was able to enjoy being a grandpa to five grandchildren.  Dressing up as Santa was a favorite event for Bernie and the grandkids, nieces, and nephews.

For many years, Bernie worked at Highland Golf Club, taking care of the greens. In 2018, Bernie was hired by Costco.  He had no idea that this would be another life changing event for him.  The team at Costco treated Bernie with ongoing respect.  They appreciated his drive and dedication at work.  He absolutely loved going to work and being with his Costco friends.  Throughout his illness, he continued to go to work and do his best without a complaint.  He was truly an inspiration to all.

Bernie had a genuine love for his family.  The best times were sitting around the kitchen table visiting.  He took pride in keeping an impeccable lawn, drinking his hot coffee all day long, and watching his Nebraska Cornhuskers play football.  Bernie was so generous with his time.  He took care of an elderly neighbor’s yard, took them to church, and out for dinners. He was always first to volunteer to help a friend or stranger.  He was always ready with a kind word or a story to make someone smile.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, Carmine A. Barone and Lavina (Krueger) Barone.  He is survived by sisters and brothers-in-law: Barbara Cox (Keith), Connie Lyons (Scott), Diane Miller (Chey), and Debra Barone; Bernie’s beloved, Diana Flair; honorary children: Katie Thiel (Tom), Luke Flair (Lauren), and Andrew Flair (Macy); grandchildren: Hudson, Jack, Hadley, Noah, and Hayes; many nieces and nephews.

FUNERAL SERVICE: Monday, August 30th at 1:00 p.m. at the West Center Chapel.  Entombment: Calvary Mausoleum.  In lieu of flowers, memorials will be directed by the family.

To view a live broadcast of the Funeral Service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “View Live Cast” button on our home page.

 

22 Comments

  • Kathy Roy Posted August 28, 2021 6:27 am

    Again, my heart goes out to all the family for the loss of Bernie. So hard to lose a loved one. May he rest in peace. God Bless

  • Frank & Ulrike Schmidt Posted August 28, 2021 12:36 pm

    Our condolences on the passing of your brother Bernie!
    If the people we love are stolen from us, the way to have them live on is to never stop loving them!

    James O’.Barr

  • Tina Halinski Posted August 28, 2021 6:06 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. Bernie was a special person and friend to me.

  • Dawn Spurlock Posted August 28, 2021 6:18 pm

    Love to you all, may God’s comfort surround you during this difficult time

  • Donna Parsons Posted August 28, 2021 6:47 pm

    My prayers are with you all.

  • Katie and Shannon Mauseth Posted August 28, 2021 6:52 pm

    We have such nice memories of Bernie, we are saddened by his passing and hope that your many memories of him help you through this difficult time.

  • Dave & LeAnn White Posted August 28, 2021 7:55 pm

    I wish I had the perfect words to ease the pain. God is peace. He is comfort. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.

  • Jackie Ochsner Posted August 28, 2021 8:23 pm

    He was forever in a great mood. We will miss him.

  • Darla Pinkelman Posted August 28, 2021 10:23 pm

    What a wonderful guy, and awesom
    neighbor .A true inspiration. A great example of what a person should be. You will be dearly missed Bernie 💔 Rest peacefully. God needed one of the best looking down on us.

  • Sandra Armstrong Posted August 29, 2021 11:25 am

    A kind soul Bernie, loved and missed. My deepest sympathies go out to his loved ones. Love and hugs to you all.

  • Karen Williams Posted August 29, 2021 1:44 pm

    You all are in my heart and prayers, and God speed Bernie rest in peace my friend.

  • Jeanna Justesen Posted August 29, 2021 3:14 pm

    Bernie was a great person, always had a cheerful hello for everyone here at Costco. I got to know Bernie when we both worked the late shift. He always left at the same time I did and made sure I got to my car ok, we drove the same route home and he always asked if I needed him to follow in the winter when streets were bad. A true gentleman. He alway stopped by the photo department to chat with me, then at the front door when I changed department. I always kept him in my prayers, once he told me his diagnosis. Now Bernie is with his new family of angels. He will be looking over his earthly family keeping them safe. My heartfelt condolences go out to all who loved Bernie. He will be deeply missed.

  • Terry Thielen Posted August 29, 2021 8:35 pm

    So sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing. I had the pleasure of working with him on the grounds crew at Pacific Springs Golf Course the last few summers. What a hard worker he was as well as being a true gentleman.. He just put his head down and worked hard each day. Rest In Peace, Bernie. You’ll be missed.

  • Gary Fead Posted August 30, 2021 6:04 am

    My condolences to the Barone family. I met and worked with Bernie during his rehab time when he was a patient in the Rehab Center at Immanuel many years ago. Though it has been several years now, Bernie would occasionally come stop by and see me even after I moved on to a different company in the rehab field. I’ve thought of Bernie several times over the years wondering how he was doing. From the sounds of the memorial written above it shows that he did just fine. The world needs a few more Bernies.

  • Trula Jamison Posted August 30, 2021 6:11 am

    Bernie was a special guy. Kirk & I send our love and sympathy. The Barone family has always been special to us.

  • Jason Stanek Posted August 30, 2021 6:33 am

    I worked with Bernie at Highland CC in the early 1990’s and he was such a great guy to work with. Always had a smile on his face and willing to help out anyone.

  • Shelly Anderson Posted August 30, 2021 12:42 pm

    Condolences to the whole family. He sounds like someone that was a good friend and those who knew him were very lucky.

  • Ross Powers Posted August 30, 2021 1:29 pm

    Words fail me at a time like this. I was friends with Bernie a lifetime ago at Chardon State College. To hear of the wonderful life he led these past many years is truly a joy. I am saddened to hear of his passing but gladdened he was surrounded by family and impacted so many. Bernie, i know there are fish in heaven and a fishing rod even you can’t break.

  • Ross Powers Posted August 30, 2021 2:43 pm

    Words fail me at a time like this. I was friends with Bernie a lifetime ago at Chadron State College. I was saddened to hear of his passing but gladdened to hear he was surrounded by family and friends. It sounds like a life well lived. I know there will be fish in heaven and a fishing pole he can’t break.

  • Jared Armstrong Posted August 30, 2021 3:13 pm

    Sending my condolences to Aunt Diana and entire family. Bernie was such an amazing spirit to be around and definitely gone too soon! Praying God wraps his arms around all of you very tight during this time. Rest In Peace Bernie !!

  • Ulysses Carlini Jr. Posted August 30, 2021 4:20 pm

    So sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing. Bernie and I became friends many years ago while teammates on a little league baseball team in North Platte NE. The Barone Family lived just a short distance away, we enjoyed many hot summer days together just being kids. I remember laughing a lot with Bernie, he had some kind of contagious laugh. Inherited from his Italian papa. So many memories with Bernie, and the entire Barone familia! You are all in my thoughts and prayers, Riposare in pace, mio amico.

  • Verne and Sherrie DeHaven Posted August 30, 2021 9:35 pm

    Diana and family. So sorry for your loss. May God comfort you in this time. Bernie has been the kindest and best neighbor! We will miss him.

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