Bernard “Barney” Patrick O’Hern
The Phonograph-Herald | July 16, 2025
Bernard “Barney” Patrick O’Hern, 91, of Palmer, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025 at the Howard County Medical Center in St. Paul.
A Memorial Mass was held on Friday, July 11, 2025 at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul. Father Vince Parsons celebrated the Mass.
Mary Jo Serbousek was the musician.
Selections included “Amazing Gace,” “How Great Thou Art,” “Dancing in Sky,” and “When Irish Eyes Are Smiling.”
Honorary pallbearers included Nic Simonson, Max Simonson, Mark Simonson, Neil Wegner, Zach Nicholas, Alex Pflipsen, Logan Simonson, Brandon Simonson, and Seth Simonson.
Inurnment was in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Palmer. Military honors were provided by the Palmer American Legion Honor Guard and the Nebraska Marine Corps Honor Guard.
Barney was born on January 29, 1934, in Palmer, to Bernard Michael and Roberta Ann Stout O’Hern.
Barney grew up on a farm north of Palmer with his parents and three siblings. He attended and graduated from Palmer Public School in 1951. He played basketball and, in his later years, boxed. He loved Model-T cars, gardening, playing cards, dancing, and Royals baseball. He had no trouble sharing his strong political views.
Barney farmed for two years before joining the Marines. He was stationed in Japan at Mount Fuji Military base from 1954 until 1957, where he drove a truck and hauled Tactical Electric Power ( TEP).
He returned to Palmer and spent the next eight years running Barney’s Tavern from 1960 until 1968. He then sold the bar to George and Sandy Davis and began working at Island Supply in Grand Island. He made deliveries for them all over the United States. Finally, at the age of seventy- nine, he retired.
Barney married the love of his life, Maxine Simonson, a widow with five kids, in January of 1973. Michael was born into this union, which made a family of six. Barney was a wonderful dad, step-dad, granddad, and great-grandpa.
Barney was a proud fireman, as well as a member of the American Legion for over sixty- three years. He held offices and was honored to be commander at one time. He loved following his kids’ and grandkids’ activities. Announcing Legion baseball was a passion, and he was known for calling balls and strikes even before the umpires. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus, Leiderkranz, Saddle Club, and Vet’s Club. His Catholic faith was unwavering.
Barney was known for his warmth, wisdom, and quick wit. He had an unconditional love for his family, country, his Irish heritage, and friends.
Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Ron Simonson, Kathy Wegner, Shelley (Dwight) Pflipsen, Randy (Monica) Simonson, and Bryan (Lynn) Simonson; sixteen grandchildren, Nic (Kori) Simonson, Max (Maggi) Simonson, Mark (Tom) Simonson, Ashley (Blaine) Cornelius, Neil (Kate) Wegner, Lindsay Nicholas, Zach Nicholas, Alex (Stephanie) Pflipsen, Brianne Pflipsen, Logan (Karly) Simonson, Bailey (Darius) Williams, Brandon (Jacqui) Simonson, Chelsey (Adam) Clemens, Seth Simonson, Adaylee O’Hern, and Milly O’Hern; twenty- two great-grandchildren, Reese and Rowan Simonson, Maisy and Cora Simonson, Harper, Hensley, and Huxten Wissing, Connar, Beau and Charlee Wegner, Aubryn and Justice Sparks, Eli and Kasey Simonson, Cohen and Scottie Lynn Williams, A.J. and Clare Clemans, Marlee, Lucee, and Jaxon Simonson, Mariah, and Halle Gaulker and Rosie O’Hern; two great-great grandchildren, Adaylnn and Kohl; and sister and brother-in-law, Jeanette (Dick) Spiehs.
Barney was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Maxine O’Hern; son, Michael; daughter- in-law, Marybeth O’Hern; daughter-in-law, Vicki Simonson; son-inlaw, Doug Wegner; and siblings, Tim O’Hern, Margaret Rubesh, and Patsy Williams.
Memorials may be directed to the family, Palmer Fire and Rescue, or American Legion Post 120.