Dottie A. Bern

Dorothy A. “Dottie” Bern, age 88, of Wahoo, passed away peacefully on Sunday, November 2, 2025, in Wahoo. She was born on March 13, 1937, in Wahoo, Nebraska, to Percy and Dorothy (Kuhlman) Blair. Dottie grew up in Wahoo and graduated from Wahoo High School.

On October 23, 1955, she was united in marriage to Don L. Bern at the Presbyterian Church in Wahoo. Together they made their home in Wahoo and shared a lifetime of love and devotion.

Faith was central to Dottie’s life. She was an active and devoted member of First Presbyterian Church, where she participated in PCCW, Bible studies, and served as a Sunday school teacher. She also served on the church’s nominating committee and played a role in recruiting Pastor Burton Knudsen. Dottie’s commitment to her community extended beyond her church—she was also a committee member for the construction of the new Wahoo High School.

Dottie’s many talents and hobbies reflected her generous and creative spirit. She enjoyed quilting, cross-stitching, baking, and tending to her beautiful flower gardens. At Christmastime, she delighted in baking cookies and making candies—hard candy being her specialty. She was always willing to prepare food for church activities and community benefits.

Dottie was known for her love of life and her joyful personality. She enjoyed traveling with her family to their vacation home in Minnesota, where she especially loved pontoon rides on the lake. She was a wine connoisseur and cherished time spent with her loved ones. Dottie was devoted to her family and was often remembered as the “life of the party.” Her beloved dog, Chloe, held a special place in her heart.

She is survived by her husband of 70 years, Don Bern; children Jacy Douglas, Tim (Nancy) Bern, Lynette (Mark) Hraban, and Allyson (Tim) Maly; 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); 17 great-grandchildren; special family member Barb Sukstorf; and many other relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents; sisters Diane Ruzicka and Marilyn Blair; and son-in-law Michael Douglas.

Funeral services will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Friday at First Presbyterian Church in Wahoo. Interment will follow at Sunrise Cemetery. Visitation will be Thursday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Pruss-Nabity Funeral Home. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, the Wahoo Rescue Squad, or to the family for later designation.