William R. “Bill” Barna
July 25, 1933- February 7, 2025
William Robert Barna, 91, of Omaha, Nebraska passed away peacefully in his home on February 7th, 2025. Born on July 25th, 1933, to George F. and Mary A (Beresh) Barna, Bill proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy before completing his Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration from Omaha University. Like his father and brother George, Bill spent his career at the Union Pacific Railroad advancing from electrician to production management.
Preceded in death by wife Patrica (Patti), parents George and Mary Barna, brother and sister in-law George and Marge Barna and in-laws Joseph and Virginia Kish.
Bill was known by all as a hard worker and friendly, pleasant man. He had the pleasure of being retired longer than he worked and with wife Patti and their lifelong circle of friends traveled to Hawaii, Mexico and Florida and enjoyed weekly lunches and pool parties.
Bill kept busy in retirement collecting cars (’57 Chevy, ’41 Pontiac Silver Streak, ’29 Model A, and more), with woodworking projects, and was the unquestioned neighborhood champion of lawn care and car washing (several google map photos over the years featured Bill mowing the lawn and washing cars). In addition, he was a familiar face in the same pew at St. Margaret Mary’s masses.
Bill was blessed to share his life with his always delightful bride Patti. Their love story began uniquely at the tender age of 6 months under the clock at the downtown Brandies. Their mothers (Mary and Eva) famously commented, “Wouldn’t it be funny if these two grew up and got married.” Their marriage lasted happily until Patti’s death in 2008 after 49 years of marriage.
Bill was proud of his Hungarian heritage and a caring and constant patriarch of the family. He is survived by daughter Beth (Mike) Mavelle of Jacksonville, Florida, son Bill Barna and son Tom (Julie) Barna, sister in-law Pam (John) Allen of Mesa, Arizona, sister in-law. Penni (John_ Weyant of Omaha and grandchildren Maureen (Peter) Mavelle-Pratt of Broomfield, Colorado, Quinton McLeod-Barna of Shizuoka, Japan, Mia and Taylor Barna of Omaha, Nebraska.
VIGIL SERVICE: Tuesday, February 11, 2025, 7:00 PM with VISITATION from 5:00-7:00PM, West Center Chapel, 7805 West Center Road, Omaha.
MASS OF CHRISTIAN BURIAL: Wednesday, February 12, 2025, 10:30AM, St. Margaret Mary Catholic Church, 6116 Dodge St., Omaha.
INTERMENT: Calvary Cemetery
Memorials are suggested to St. Margaret Mary’s.
To view live broadcasts of the Service, please visit www.heafeyheafey.com and click the “Live Cast” button at the top of the home page.
5 Comments
My deepest condolences to Bill, Beth and Tom over the loss of your Father. I will always remember him as a genteel man with a good sense of humor. The world was better off having your Dad as a part of it. Rest in Peace, Bill.
This is probably the most heavy and complex send-off I can imagine. Grandpa was literally the very cornerstone and center soul of our family, and he’s helped all of us on multiple accounts more than anyone can imagine. His life needs to go down in history as a model for one of the healthiest and most peaceful, fulfilling lives anybody can live.
Love you to the far end of the universe.
Thank you so much for everything, grandpa.
I remember the day there was a new kid in school
That’s the day I met my friend Tom. Then I had the pleasure of meeting his Mother, Father, Sister,& Brother. Good people.
Sorry for your loss.
Thinking of you and your families as you celebrate the life of your beloved Father and Grandfather.
Condolences to you on the passing of Bill. My grandparents, Louis and Irene Illis were good friends of George and Mary. My grandfather ran the Skelly station at 42nd and Center. They were also proud of their Hungarian heritage and friends and passed that on to us.
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