Bobby Bernhardt

Funeral Services for Bobby Bernhardt formerly of Hay Springs, Nebraska will be held Friday, May 12, 2023 at 10:00 AM at United Methodist Church in Hay Springs, Nebraska. Burial will be held in Hay Springs City Cemetery. Visitation will be held Thursday, May 11, 2023 from 5-7 PM

at Chamberlain Chapel in Chadron, Nebraska.

Bobby Jean Bernhardt, a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great-grandfather, went home to be with his Lord and Savior in heaven on May 5, 2023, at the age of 93. “Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His godly ones.” Psalm 116:15

Bobby was born on October 9, 1929, in Marion, Kansas. He was the oldest of 10 children of John Balzer Bernhardt and Fern Morgart Bernhardt. He and his siblings were raised on farms outside of Marion, Tampa, Ramona, and Lost Springs. From a young age, Bobby learned the importance of family, faith, country, hard work, discipline, and respect from his parents. These would shape his values throughout his life.

Growing up, he and his brothers loved playing softball and other sports after chores were completed. Bobby excelled in all sports and was a superb softball pitcher. At the age of 18, Bobby moved to Nebraska to work on Henry Reimann's farm. It was at this time that he met his future wife, Irene Elizabeth Anne Wittig, at a church function.

He was later drafted into the US Army during the Korean War and served as a medic at Fort Riley. While serving, Bobby played on one of the Fort Riley softball teams and was able to lead his team to championships two years in a row as their pitcher.

After he was released from the Army, Bobby returned to Nebraska, married Irene on June 1, 1956, and bought a farm north of Hay Springs. Together they raised their family—Donell, Gordon, Devonne, Gloria, and Barbara--on the family farm and ran a successful cattle and wheat operation.

Aside from farming, Bobby enjoyed fishing, flying, and playing cards. He started volunteering at the Pioneer Manor Nursing Home in retirement while Irene would spend time with her mother who was a resident at the nursing home. After Irene’s death, Bobby continued visiting his mother-in-law and volunteering at Pioneer Manor.

Bobby is survived by his children Gordon Bernhardt of Falls Church, VA, Devonne (Darrell) West of Cypress, TX, Gloria (Dom Tregre) Bernhardt of Mabank, TX, and Barbara (Bill) Wood of Belton, TX; 13 grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and four siblings (Betty, Velma, Dale, and Linda). Bobby was preceded in death by his beloved wife Irene, his daughter Donell, his father John, his mother Fern, and five brothers.

Bobby will be deeply missed by his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. His legacy will be remembered as a follower of Christ, a devoted husband, a hardworking farmer/rancher, a loyal friend, and a loving family man.

In lieu of flowers, contributions can be sent to the Chamberlain Chapel for the First Baptist Church of Chadron, NE, the Hay Springs Volunteer Fire Department, and the United Methodist Church of Hay Springs, NE.