Bernard E. "Bernie" Bliefernich

A Funeral Service for Bernard will be held on Saturday, August 19, 2023 at 10:30 a.m. at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Geneva, Nebraska with Pastor Tim Stacy presiding. Visitation will be held 1 hour prior to the funeral service at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Geneva, Nebraska. Military Graveside Services will be conducted at the Geneva Public Cemetery in Geneva, Nebraska. Memorials are to be directed to The Heritage at College View or Adams Central School Foundation. Bernard Eugene Bliefernich passed away in Hastings, Nebraska, on August 13, 2023, at the age of 98. He was born November 25, 1924, in Hyde, Colorado, to Henry Fredrick Bliefernich and Lena Spanjer Bliefernich. As a child, Bernard lived in Colorado, Idaho and Nebraska. He graduated high school from Burr Public Schools in Burr, Nebraska, and was very proud to have served in the Navy in World War II. Bernard graduated from Peru State College and taught in Plymouth and Deshler. For the majority of his career, he was the superintendent of schools at Geneva Public Schools and was very honored to oversee the building of a new elementary building and a new high school. Bernard later was the superintendent at Davenport Public Schools until his retirement 1988. In 1949, Bernard married Mary Elaine Juilfs and they enjoyed 50 years together until Elaine’s death in 1999. Both served in education and were proud to have an impact on many children’s lives including their three children, Mary, Bill and Marcia. In 2002, Bernard married Mildred Gerdes and moved to Kearney, Nebraska. They were married until her death in 2019. Bernard was known for his woodworking abilities making intricate furniture for his grandchildren. In 1988, he built his retirement home in Geneva, Nebraska. He was an avid golfer and at the age of 70 hit two holes-in-one and continued golfing into his early 90s. Bernard was a long-time member of Prince of Peace Lutheran Church in Geneva and later a member of First Lutheran Church in Kearney. Bernard was very much a gentleman, a faithful servant to the Lord and instilled the German work ethic in his family. He was a servant leader to the many teachers he hired throughout the years. He enjoyed travel throughout his life, and was a father and grandfather who would do anything for his children and grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his mother and father, his brother, Arnold; his wife, Elaine Bliefernich; his daughter, Mary Riggleman and a grandson, Joel Riggleman and his second wife, Mildred Gerdes Bliefernich. Bernard leaves a legacy of children, grandchildren and great grandchildren who also value education and hard work. He is survived by his son, Bill Bliefernich (Cheryl) of Juniata; his daughter, Marcia Baumann (Larry) of North Platte; and son-in-law, Pat Riggleman of Gordon. His grandchildren Teresa (Mike) Shukei, Kelly (Philip) Schafer, Kate (Jeff) Portenier, Mark (Bridget) Bliefernich; Liz (AJ Wolkins) Riggleman and Christine (Matt) Dregalla; Chele (Michael) Norrie/Nyffeler, Jennifer (Chase) Hansen, Abby (Barrett) Brown, Jeff (Bailey) Baumann, Brenda (Russ) Pulling and Andrea (Jim) Renshaw and 30 great grandchildren.

Tributes

Bernard E. "Bernie" Bliefernich

November 25, 1924 - August 13, 2023