Don Lewis Bern

Don L. Bern, age 90, of Wahoo, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in Wahoo, surrounded by his family.

Don was born on June 18, 1935, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Arthur and Mary (Brown) Bern. As the oldest of four children, he grew up on his parents’ farm, where milking cows before sunrise and tending livestock shaped the steady work ethic and quiet responsibility that defined his life.

After graduating from Luther College in Wahoo, Don became the third of four generations of the Bern family to own and operate the family building supply business in Wahoo. Many in the community knew him best through the Gambles Store, which later became Ace Hardware and eventually Do It Best. Though the name on the building changed over the years, Don’s presence, fairness, and reliability never did. He retired in 1997, leaving behind not just a business, but a legacy of trust built over decades.

On October 23, 1955, Don married Dorothy “Dottie” Blair in Wahoo. For seventy years, theirs was a partnership marked by devotion, steadiness, and deep affection. He loved Dottie faithfully and fully until the day he died. Together they raised four children and built a family that grew to include eleven grandchildren and seventeen great-grandchildren — each one a source of pride and joy.

Family was the center of Don’s world. Vacations, lake trips, holidays, and simple Sunday dinners were treasured traditions. He delighted in gathering everyone together, listening to stories, sharing laughter, and watching younger generations grow. Nothing brought him more satisfaction than seeing his family around the table.

Don’s commitment to community was woven throughout his life. As Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 246, he mentored countless young men and helped many achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, leading adventures across the country and organizing efforts to equip the troop with canoes and supplies. He served as President of the Wahoo Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in the installation of the USS Wahoo torpedo on the Saunders County Courthouse lawn. As a Longtime Care Ombudsman, he advocated for the elderly, working to improve the long-term care system. A longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, he served as an usher and ordained Deacon. He also served in the Nebraska Air National Guard and was a member of Wahoo VFW Post #4502. Quietly and without recognition, he faithfully donated blood for many years, believing it was simply his responsibility.

In retirement, Don and Dottie built a lake cabin in Minnesota, where they created years of happy memories fishing, taking pontoon rides, and hosting family and friends. He also developed a deep interest in Native American arrowheads and artifacts, becoming a sought-after speaker in local schools and civic groups, eager to share both knowledge and enthusiasm.

He is survived by his children, Jacy Douglas; Tim (Nancy) Bern; Lynette (Mark) Hraban; and Allyson (Tim) Maly; his grandchildren, Jessica (James) Novotny, Jennifer (Aaron) Erks, Mitch (Kristen) Bern, Andy Bern, Alex (Erin) Bern, Mindy (Mike) Wallace, Cole (Kari) Hraban, Mackenzie (Nick) Chapek, Madyson (Brandon) Breunig, Seth Maly (fiancé Halle Heiss), and Bailey Maly (fiancé Logan Brabec); seventeen great-grandchildren; his brother, Mark (Elise) Bern; special family member Barb Sukstorf; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dottie; his parents Arthur and Mary; his sisters Peggy (Larry) Cole and Karen (Jim) Fauver; and his son-in-law Mike Douglas.

Visitation will be 5-7 pm Friday at Pruss-Nabity Funeral Home. Funeral services will be 10 am Saturday at First Presbyterian Church. Interment will be at Sunrise Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Wahoo Volunteer Fire Department, or to the family.