John C. Bernadt

John C. Bernadt, 76, transitioned from this world on August 13, 2020. Born November 20, 1943 to Carl and Luella Bernadt in Pawnee City, he grew up in rural southeast Nebraska. John was married for 54 years to his devoted wife, Clara L. Bernadt. He retired from the BNSF in 1999 after 34 years of working in Lincoln, Minnesota, Wyoming, and Kansas.

His generosity and spirit shined through his selfless commitment to helping others. Friends, family, and strangers alike all benefited from his capacity for fixing anything and his desire and appreciation for hard work. If there’s a person alive who could work harder and extract as much pleasure out of a full day’s work, we haven’t met them. His passions included God, the Cornhuskers, guns, cold beer, tools, machines, trees, gardening, and anything he could nurture and grow.

But nothing meant more to him than his two true loves:

His country and his family. He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from 1961-1964, participating in the naval blockade during the Cubin Missile Crisis and standing as an Honor Guard on the USS Norris for President Kennedy’s funeral. He loved the USA with a depth and sincerity rarely matched. He recognized the greatness of his beloved country and would give anything for its continued liberty, prosperity, and security. He respectfully flew our sacred Old Glory every place he lived which made his heart swell with pride.

He was devoted to his wife and three sons, Troy A. Bernadt, Kyle C. Bernadt, and Kevin J. Bernadt. He loved and sacrificed for his three boys and raised them into men, helping them every step of the way through this beautiful life journey. He always wanted a daughter and was gifted with three wonderful ones with Troy’s wife Melissa Bernadt, Kyle’s wife Tonya Bernadt, and his granddaughter Stella’s mom, Liz Uzdill. He was so proud of his five grandchildren, Brooke, Stella, Bailey, Kellen, and Lilia. He doted on them accordingly. Grandpa was always easy-pickins’ for whatever the grandkids wanted.

John squeezed a couple life times out of his 76 years on this earth and undoubtedly left it a better place than how he found it. He will be missed, never forgotten, and forever honored. The family respectfully suggests you plant a tree in his name and send memorials in support of the VA.

At the request of the Bernadt family no public viewing/ visitation is planned. John’s wishes were to be cremated. Funeral arrangements entrusted to Butherus, Maser & Love Funeral Home, 4040 A Street, Lincoln 68510.