Bernie Larsen

 Bernie Larsen

November 5, 1958-August 12, 2024

Bernie (Birkel) Larsen, age 65, was born in Omaha, Nebraska on November 5, 1958, to Richard L. and Alice M. (Jones) Birkel. She was the fourth and middle child of her seven brothers and sisters. After graduating from Marian High School in 1977, Bernie met her life partner and best friend, Steve Larsen. They met at a hog roast, introduced by mutual friends. After the party, Steve asked Bernie to go boating the next day. Eight years later, he would ask her to be his wife. They were married on June 21, 1986, at St. James Catholic Church. Together, they built a life filled with love, laughter, and mutual respect.

After their wedding, Bernie (a city girl at heart) moved to the Larsen Dairy farm on the condition Steve build her a new home—he delivered on this promise two years later. In December of 1987, they welcomed their eldest daughter, Lauren Elizabeth, to the world. In January of 1990, Hans Peter joined the party.

With an associate’s degree in nursing from the College of St. Mary, Bernie spent 38 years caring for others at CHI Hospital across multiple departments. During her time as a nurse, she became president of the Nebraska Association of Perianesthesia Nurses (NAPAN) and was responsible for training dozens of others in her field. She was recognized throughout her career for her expertise (starting IVs), reliability (never missed a day), and likeability (everyone wanted to “be like Bernie”). Bernie made Reuben sandwiches annually for St. Patrick’s Day in the breakroom and brewed coffee daily for her coworkers. In September of 2022, Bernie was awarded the DAISY Award—recognizing nurses who demonstrate extraordinary care and compassion. She retired on November 5, 2023.

Bernie lived a vibrant and full life off the clock. She traveled annually with her family to Florida to Siesta Key and Walt Disney World. Every year, she met her sisters to shop—the destination varying from Mall of America to Santa Fe. She especially enjoyed her trips to New York to visit her son, Hans where she recently saw Billy Joel and her road trips to Kansas City to visit her daughter and spend time shopping at the Country Club Plaza. Bernie was active and made the most of every single day. In June of 2020, Steve and Bernie built a new home in Papillion across from Werner Park in a gated community called The Cove. There, she walked four miles regularly, biked with friends, and played Pickleball with her neighbors. She was well-read, enjoyed baking (especially during the holidays), and was an excellent host. She and Steve spent their weekends exploring new restaurants and getting up early for coffee at Starbucks. Bernie was always well-dressed and was known for her excellent taste. She was beautiful.

On August 14, 2021, Larsen Rose Nguyen was born, and Bernie became a grandma. Larsen and “Grandma Bernie” enjoyed popping popcorn and watching movies together. In April 2024, Millie Bell was born. Both girls were spoiled regularly by their grandma.

Bernie was an active member of the Catholic church. As a lifelong member of St. James Catholic Church, she attended mass regularly and spearheaded the parish picnic for several years. She volunteered her time, money, and home—hosting the “practice picnic dinner” several years in a row. She enjoyed the relationships she built through the church and relied on her faith, especially after her diagnosis.

Bernie’s final days were marked by the same dignity and grace that defined her life. Diagnosed with Prion Disease, she faced her challenges with bravery, surrounded by her loving family and the compassionate care of her hospice nurse. She passed away peacefully on August 12.

Bernie was loved by many and—as a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and sister—valued quality time with her family above all. She will be missed beyond measure by those who knew her.

Bernie is survived by her husband, Steve Larsen; her daughter, Lauren Nguyen (Dr. Dan); her son, Hans Larsen; granddaughters Larsen Rose and Millie Bell; siblings Mary Newquist (Scott), Dr. Rick Birkel (Maureen), Kathy Rayl (Dr. Jeff Rayl) Ben Birkel (Maureen), Bill Birkel (Jackie), Jean Schuller (Doug).

VIGIL SERVICE:  Friday August 16, 2024, at 7:00PM at West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, with VISITATION from 6:00-7:00PM and a NURSE HONOR GUARD PRESENTATION at 6:45PM.

MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL:   Saturday, August 17, 10:30 AM, St. James Catholic Church, 4710 N. 90th Street, Omaha.

INTERMENT: Calvary Cemetery

Flowers may be sent to Heafy-Hoffman-Dworak-Cutler, West Center Chapel and those wishing to honor Bernie should do so by donating to CJD Foundation. (https://cjdfoundation.org).

To view a live Broadcast of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “LiveCast” button at the top of home page.