Bernard Carroll "Bernie" Phifer

1941 - 2025

Bernard "Bernie" Carroll Phifer, Jr., 84, of Franklin, Neb., passed away Friday, Nov. 28, 2025.

He was born Oct. 17, 1941 in Callaway to Bernard Sr. and Meneda (Zoerb) Phifer. He grew up in Custer County until the family moved to Long Pine in 1947. They moved to Mason City in 1957 where he attended high school, graduating in 1960. After high school graduation, Bernie attended the University of Nebraska-Lincoln for two years and was a member of the university's rodeo team.

He was united in marriage to Shirley Ann Downey on Dec. 21, 1963 in Anselmo. The couple lived in Mason City where Bernie was engaged in farming and ranching and showed registered Hereford cattle. In 1975 they moved to Miami, Texas, where he was a herdsman and, in 1978, Bernie was honored as the Herdsman of the Year by the American Hereford Association. They moved to Franklin in 1979 where he continued as a herdsman, working for Prestige Simmentals and later for TC Ranch Angus. The family moved to Chillicothe, Mo., for a short stint, 1982-1983. After moving back to Franklin, they purchased The Bullpen in 1985, a bar and grill business. After selling the bar in 1991, Bernie worked at Dinklage Feedlot north of Red Cloud until retirement. Bernie continued to work many years after "retirement." Several years were spent working at the Franklin Golf Club and he was also employed by Jr. Lovell, still working with cattle, of course.

Bernie grew up with an appreciation for hard work and the cowboy way of life. In his younger years, he was an avid rodeo rider and spent countless hours on horseback. The majority of his life was spent working with and showing cattle. He worked with many kids in 4-H helping them learn how to train their calves and prepare for shows.

Later in life, when he wasn't working, Bernie could often be found at the golf course. He loved the game and enjoyed golfing with friends and family. Many of his friends at the Franklin Golf Club affectionately called him "BernDog." He loved his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, and was known as "Papa Bernie" to the great-grands.

Bernie is survived by daughter Melinda Siel and husband Todd, daughter Raquel Felzien and husband Drew and son Troy Phifer, all of Franklin; grandchildren Shane Siel and wife Ale' of Franklin, Kassie Slocum and husband Bryan of Franklin, Karsen Felzien and boyfriend Colton Hopkins of Kearney, Alec Felzien and fiancé Elizabeth Trausch of Lincoln, Tamia Phifer and boyfriend Alex Wilbur of Lincoln and Thomas Phifer of Franklin; great-grandchildren Perry, Kellen, Millie Slocum and Anika and Eloise Siel; sisters Sandy Phifer of Denver, Co., Marlis Hammond (Larry) of Carmel, In., and Marilyn Whitaker (Chip) of Chambers.

Preceding him in death were his wife Shirley; parents Bernard Sr. and Meneda Phifer; brothers Kent and Greg Phifer; Shirley's parents Paul and Mabel Downey; brothers-in-law Ed Downey, Wayne Downey and Bill Price; and sisters-in-law Joan Downey and Mary Kay Price.

Bernie chose direct cremation and there will be no funeral services. Hutchins Funeral Home in Franklin assisted the Phifer family.