Bernard W. “Bernie” Trausch

Bernard W. “Bernie” Trausch

August 5, 1942 – March 27, 2025

Bernard William Trausch, affectionately known as “Papa,” passed away on March 27, 2025, at the age of 82. A beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, coach, and friend, Bernie’s life was defined by kindness, humility, faith, sharp wit, and a gift for storytelling that made everyone around him feel seen and valued.

Born on August 5, 1942, in Hastings, Nebraska, Bernie was raised on a working family farm where chores built character and days were shaped by responsibility, humor, and community. He graduated from Holstein High School, where he played quarterback in football, ran track, played basketball, and—above all—loved baseball. Whether it was organized town league or two-on-two in the pasture, America’s game was Bernie’s game.

He remained a lifelong Yankees fan and devoted Nebraska Cornhusker. If there was a game on, Bernie was watching—or talking about it the next day, analyzing every play with the insight of someone who not only loved the game but was an expert.

After attending St. Benedict’s College, Bernie earned both his undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Nebraska—an accomplishment that reflected his deep commitment to learning and his pride in the Cornhusker state. He also served in the U.S. Army Reserve, completing active duty at Fort Carson, Colorado.

In 1965, he married the love of his life, Sally, and together they raised six children. They were married for nearly sixty years, a partnership marked by unwavering support, deep friendship, and endless laughter. Bernie found tremendous joy in his role as a father, grandfather to 18, and great-grandfather to 10. He was a devoted fan of anything his kids and grandkids did—attending games and activities with a stadium seat in hand and unmistakable pride. Whether it was a cross-town tournament or Grandparents Day at school, Papa was there cheering and smiling ear to ear.

Professionally, Bernie dedicated his career to agricultural research with NC+ Hybrids, where he eventually became Director of Agronomic Services. His work took him from Nebraska’s fields to conferences around the world. Whether in Hawaii, Puerto Rico, or France, he carried his trademark humility, curiosity, and respect for others wherever he went.

Bernie gave his time generously, serving as a Teammates mentor, coaching youth and high school sports, and volunteering for causes close to his heart. He was especially passionate about Unbound, a nonprofit that empowers families living in poverty through personal sponsorship and community support. He believed deeply that every person deserved dignity, opportunity, and the knowledge that someone cared.

He was a proud member of the Knights of Columbus, where he lived out his Catholic faith in service, fraternity, and charity. Whether helping organize parish events or supporting those in need, Bernie quietly led by example—never seeking recognition, always seeking to make a difference.

A lover of history and a natural storyteller, Bernie could turn a moment from the past into a present-day lesson—always delivered with a grin. He had deep respect for where people came from and a remarkable ability to connect generations through stories, best told over a warm cup of coffee or a cold Budweiser and a slice of sour cream raisin pie. Bernie had an innate strength for seeing each person as uniquely gifted. His ability to notice and appreciate the distinct qualities in others—how they thought, what motivated them, and how they connected—made everyone feel known and valued in his presence.

Though he enjoyed many games over the years, card games held a special place in Bernie’s heart. When Sally first visited the farm, they stayed up for hours playing bridge. That night, Bernie knew—this was the gal for him. He played pitch, bridge, poker, and taught hearts to many of his grandchildren. He spent hours playing competitive hearts online and would shake his head when people quit early—saying with a grin, “they just couldn’t handle the pressure”. He also loved playing slap jack with his kids when they were young and later with his grandkids around the kitchen table. For Bernie, cards weren’t just games—they were ways to laugh, connect, and create memories.

Bernie was an avid golfer who cherished time on the course with friends and family. He especially loved the annual Trausch Golf Outing and playing in Nebraska’s Senior League. Known as the most prepared golfer on the course, he carried no less than 24 clubs in his bag at any time. In Arizona, Bernie would step out on the backyard putting green multiple times a day, sink four or five putts in a row, then stop and say with a grin, “I can’t get any better.” One of his favorite stories involved a round with a group of priests—he claimed he “let” them win to earn a straight ticket to heaven. And in true Bernie fashion, he once skipped a ball four times across the water, bounced it off the shore, landed it on the green, and made the birdie putt—nonchalantly saying, “Just like I drew it up.”

Winters were often spent in sunny Arizona with his gal Sally by his side, and from 2001 to 2017, the family made countless memories at their beloved cabin on Turtle Beach Lake in Central City, NE—a cherished gathering place where swimming, boating, and grandkids created a legacy of joy.

Bernie’s life was one of faith, love, laughter, and kindness. He led by quiet example, gave without expecting anything in return, and found joy in the small, meaningful moments—a grandkid’s phone call, a family dinner, a well-turned double play. His presence was steady. His kindness, unforgettable.

As a brother, Bernie shared a lifelong bond with his four siblings, marked by loyalty, shared responsibility, and the kind of stories only a farm family could produce. Bernie was ten years older than Joe, and Joe remembers their childhood games of kickball, shooting hoops on the barn, and watching Yankees games together. One memorable moment came when they were playing “cowboys and bandits,” and Joe, just a young boy, hit Bernie on the head with a toy six-shooter—hurting him badly. But Bernie never said a word to Joe about it. Not then, not ever.

Claire also remembers Bernie as a loyal protector. One winter during recess at school, Bernie tackled a schoolmate and put his face into a snowbank after seeing him throw a snowball at Claire. What Bernie didn’t know was that Claire had actually thrown the first snowball. That moment became a lifelong reminder of Bernie’s unwavering loyalty.

Claire, Maryann and Carol also remember the moment Bernie learned he had a baby brother after a string of sisters. Their grandma initially told him it was another girl, and he ran to the chicken house to cry. When the truth was revealed, the joy on his face said it all. Whether it was summer days milking cows—Hazel for Bernie, Martha for Claire—or simply showing up when it mattered most, Bernie’s quiet strength and steady presence shaped the lives of his siblings in ways they’ll never forget. He always showed up—with loyalty, humility, and heart—and they were forever proud to call him their brother.

He is survived by his wife Sally of sixty years, their six children—Lisa Morock (Mike), Lori Placzek (Jim), Dan Trausch, Julie Lamski (Aaron), Ann Ziebarth (Mike), and Jamie Trausch (Shannon); 18 grandchildren; 10 great-grandchildren; siblings Claire Hupf, MaryAnn Lowe, Carol Stringer, and Joe Trausch (Judy); and many beloved nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents and his father, whom he lost at a young age but remembered with deep admiration.

Bernie leaves behind a legacy of love, laughter, and faith. His stories will be told, his example followed, and his presence deeply missed by all who were lucky enough to know him—and even luckier to be loved by him. As George Strait once sang—words Bernie lived by—his was a love without end, amen.

Visitation begins Friday, April 4^th, 9am at St. Stephen the Martyr Catholic Church with Rosary at 9:30am followed by Mass of Christian Burial at 10am.

Interment: Calvary

Memorials may be directed to the family which will be directed to Bernie’s favorite charities.

Bernie was a lifelong Husker fan and alum, so we are honoring him with either wearing Husker or any red attire.

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