Edward J. “Red” Beran

Edward J. “Red” Beran

April 2, 1929 – October 10, 2023

Edward J. “Red” Beran, 94, died October 10, 2023, with his family at his side. He was born at home on April 2, 1929, to Edward C. and Dora (Hrbek) Beran.  He grew up in the Brown Park area of South Omaha, where he lived with his parents and four sisters. Red was married to Carol Ann Murphy on June 1, 1957, and was a devoted husband and father to 3 daughters and a son.

Red was an Army veteran stationed in Germany from 1951-1953. In November of 1958, Red joined the Omaha Fire Department, retiring as a Captain in January of 1990.  He spent his retirement years, reading, traveling, and logging thousands of kilometers volksmarching in Europe, Canada, and all the lower 48 states. However, Red’s true passions were flower gardening and researching the Beran family tree.  His gardens were always colorful, sometimes wild, but always tended daily with love.  Red’s tireless research into his family history filled his rooms with family letters, postcards, maps, dates, obituaries, photographs, and reams of notes.

Red was preceded in death by his wife, Carol; and son-in-law, Robert Jirak.  He is survived by his children: Mary Jirak of Omaha, NE,  Jeanne Brill (Bucky) of Virginia, Teresa Vance of Omaha, NE, and John (Debbie) of Lincoln, NE.  He left behind 11 grandchildren: Bryan Jirak (Jean), Joel Jirak (Jenifer), Joshua Jirak (Amanda), Charles Brill, Elijah Brill, Jacob Brill, Collin Vance, Lucas Vance, Brooke Beran, Laney Beran, Piper Beran; and his 4 great-grandchildren: Alex Jirak (Casey), Addyson Jirak, Graham Jirak, and Calvin Jirak.

GRAVESIDE SERVICE: Monday, October 16, 2023, 1:00 p.m., Calvary Cemetery, 7710 W. Center Rd., with Military Honors by Benson VFW Post 2503.  Memorials are suggested to Lauritzen Gardens or to the charity of your choice. To view a live broadcast of the service, please go to www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.