Bernard J Zelasney

Bernard J Zelasney, 98, of North Platte, Nebraska, formerly of Columbus, finished his life's journey on Saturday, November 18, 2023 at Linden Court.  His three children and many grandchildren had the privilege of accompanying him through his final days.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:30 am Tuesday, November 21, 2023 at St Isidore Catholic Church in Columbus.  Father Joseph Miksch will officiate.  Visitation will be from 6-8 pm on Monday, at McKown Funeral Home with an 8 pm Vigil service.  Visitation continues on Tuesday from 9:30 am until service time at St Isidore Church.  Burial will follow at St Bonaventure Cemetery in Columbus with Military Honors by the American Legion Hartman Post #84 Honor Guard. Expressions of sympathy can be extended to the family through www.mckownfuneralhome.com

Bernard "Bernie" was born on the family farm near Duncan, Nebraska on January 30, 1925, the third child of Frank and Leocadia "Lizzie" (Prososki) Zelasney.  He spent his childhood years with his family, working on the family farm.  At 18, he left Nebraska for boot camp in Idaho.  He enlisted into the Navy and trained as a gunner and was assigned to the Merchant Marine Services in the Pacific theater during World War II. He was honorably discharged at the end of the war.

Bernie met Angela "Angie" Coldwell in Omaha, Nebraska.  Bernie and Angie married in Humphrey, Nebraska, September 1946. The two lived in many small towns in central Nebraska where Bernie worked as a telegrapher-ticket agent for the UPPR. Their first child was born in 1948 and over the years they welcomed three more children. After Bernie left the railroad he worked as a field representative for Farmer's Mutual and Protective Fire and Casualty Insurance.  Bernie was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the American Legion.

Bernie found pleasure in yard work, gardening, playing cards, being with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren, and volunteering in the community. Bernie was interested in world happenings and enjoyed reading.  He valued and nurtured conversation with anyone of any age.  Yet, most important to Bernie was his family.  For them he was strong, kind, loving, adventurous and always present.  He modeled great responsibility, commitment, conviction and a profound faith in Jesus.  He always put his family's needs first, living selflessly to the end.

Celebrating Bernie's place in heaven but lost without him are his three children:  Bernard "Bernie" (Bonnie) Zelasney, Denver, CO, Mary (Bill) Nickolite, Hershey, NE and Debra Braveheart, Columbus, NE; his 12 grandchildren, 21 great grandchildren and 1 great great grandchild.

Bernie was preceded in death by his wife, Angie; his daughter, Theresa; grandson, Frank; his parents; 5 brothers and 2 sisters; and many in-laws.  The family requests, in leu of flowers, donations to St Isidore Church.