Bernard T. Goracke

Bernard T. Goracke, 88, of Elwood, Nebraska, formerly of Lexington, died Sunday, October 24, 2010, at Elwood Care Center in Elwood. He was born June 23, 1922, at St. Mary, Nebraska to Frank and Caroline (Lempka) Goracke. He graduated from St. Paul High School with the class of 1941. After graduating from high school, Bernard enlisted in the United States Army Air Corp, where he served his Country during WWII. He was a fighter pilot and served in China, Burma and India, where he was stationed outside of Calcutta. Bernard was a commissioned 1st Lieutenant in the Army Air Corp. He was united in marriage to Martha Davidson on November 17, 1945, in Washington, D.C. it was one month later on December 25, 1945, that he was honorably discharged. Bernard returned to Washington, D.C. where he and Martha were blessed with two sons; Bernard David and Robert James. He worked as a subcontractor for The Hampshire Corporation, doing floor covering in Washington, D.C. until he retired and moved to Lexington in 1982. Bernard was a member of St. Ann’s Catholic Church. He was a kind and gentle man who will be so very missed by his sons, their families and his extended family. Survivors include his sons: Bernard David and wife Holly Goracke of West Hills, California Robert James and wife Barbara Goracke of Lovettsville, Virginia Six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren. Three brothers: Leo Goracke of West Seneca, New York Clarence (Marion) Goracke of Oakland, Nebraska Virgil (Linda) Goracke of Omaha, Nebraska One sister-in-law: Mary Goracke of Elwood, Nebraska Bernard was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Martha; four brothers, Albert, Norman, George and Donald and one sister, Evelyn. The family has honored Bernard’s wishes that his body be cremated. A Memorial Mass will be held Thursday, October 28, 2010, at 11:00 a.m. at St. Ann’s Catholic Church in Lexington with Father Tom Mullowney officiating. Inurnment will be held at a later date in Calvary Cemetery in Fairfax, Virginia. Reynolds-Love Funeral Home in Lexington is in charge of arrangements. Please direct online condolences to the family through: reynoldslovefuneralhome.com.