Bernard "Bernie" Schinzel

Bernard “Bernie” Schinzel, 86, of Kearney, Nebraska, formerly of Overton, died Wednesday, February 15, 2017, at Mt. Carmel Home - Keens Memorial in Kearney. He was born January 1, 1931, in Gibbon, Nebraska, to Frank and Regina (Reisdorff) Schinzel. Bernard attended Budda Elementary School until third grade and then St. James Catholic School. He started high school at Potter High School and then went to Lexington High School until the 10th grade, he then quit school to help support his family. Bernard is a proud United States Army veteran, where he served as a frontline machine gunner for two years in the Korean Conflict. He married Mary Ann Wengler on September 3, 1962, at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Overton. Their marriage was blessed with two daughters: Cindy and Lisa. The family lived in Lexington for a short while, before settling on a farm north of Overton for many years. Bernie worked very hard on the farm, raising pigs, and cattle, corn, and soybeans until he was 80 years old. He loved admiring his crops on late August evenings. When not working hard on the farm, he greatly enjoyed activities at Overton Public School. The pride and joy of his life was following his children’s and, later his grandchildren’s various school and extracurricular activities. He was a wonderful role model to all who knew him for how determination, hard work, and honesty can lead to a fulfilling life. He encouraged his family to believe in themselves and to set and achieve high goals. After retiring from farming, Bernie and Mary Ann moved to Meadow Lark Manor in Kearney to be closer to medical services and family. Eventually, Bernie moved to Mount Carmel Home in Kearney. He loved to take part in social activities with the childcare children who visited the home. Playing Bingo and sitting by the front window to watch people and trains pass by were among his favorite activities. Bernie was an active member of Holy Rosary Catholic Church for over 50 years, where he served as an usher and Extraordinary Minister of Holy Communion. He was a lifelong member of the Knights of Columbus, American Legion, and VFW. Bernie is survived by his wife Mary Ann of Kearney; two daughters, Cindy (Ron) Schinzel Hald of Gransby, Colorado and Lisa (Gary) Hibberd of Kearney; six grandchildren, Eric Hald of North Saint Paul, Minnesota, Megan (Lucas) Everett of Fort Hays, Kansas, Seth Hald of Vail, Colorado, Austin, Hannah (special friend Logan Kizer) and Haley Hibberd of Kearney; three brothers, Jerome (Lucille) Schinzel of Torrington, Wyoming, Don (Sue) Schinzel of Omaha, Nebraska, Leonard Schinzel of Lexington, Nebraska; three sisters, Mary Ann (late Dick) Wilkinson of Des Moines, Iowa, Betty (Royce) Dilsaver of Cheyenne, Wyoming, Luanne (Trudy Portewig) Schinzel of Columbia, Maryland; sister-in-law Sarah (Late Russ) Clabaugh of McCook, Nebraska; numerous nieces, nephews, grandnieces, and grandnephews. Bernie was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Kathryn (late Arthur) Hafeman; brothers-in-law Leo (Late Mona) Ed (Betty), Bob and Dean Wengler. Mass of Christian Burial will be Tuesday, February 21, 2017, at 10:30 a.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Overton with Reverends Jose Chavez and Alex Borzych concelebrating. Visitation will be held Monday, February 20, 2017, from 5-7 p.m. with Rosary to follow at 7:00 p.m. at Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Overton. Burial will be in the St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery with Military Honors in Lexington. Memorials are suggested to Mt. Carmel Home Activities, Holy Rosary Catholic Church, or to the family for later designation. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is assisting the family with arrangements. Please share online condolences with the family by visiting: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.