Bernard Pruss

A Funeral Service for Bernard Pruss, age 90 of O'Neill, NE will be 10:30 AM Monday, June 23, 2025 at Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill. Burial will follow in the O'Neill Cemetery with Military Honors conducted by the O'Neill American Legion Post #93. Deacon MJ Kersenbrock will officiate. Visitation will be from 3-5 PM Sunday, June 22, 2025 at Biglin's Mortuary with a Parish Rosary at 5 PM. Bernie passed away on Wednesday, June 11, 2025 at Accura Healthcare in Neligh, NE–where he had lived since May 2024–after an incredible last day, finishing the meal with his favorite dessert, an ice cream. Memorials may be directed to his family for future designation. Arrangements are under the direction of Biglin's Mortuary in O'Neill. Bernard Francis Pruss was the last of seven children, born Jan. 26, 1935, in Orchard, Nebraska to Anthony and Anna (Tresnak) Pruss. He grew up on the family farm, graduated from Orchard High School in 1953 and later attended both the University of Nebraska and Creighton University. In February of 1957, Bernie enlisted in the U.S. Army. He was stationed in San Antonio, Texas. Devoted to Barbara, he made the long drive from San Antonio to O'Neill every chance he could. In February of 1959, he was honorably discharged. On July 1, 1959, he married Barbara Jean McCarthy of O'Neill. The couple started married life in Omaha, where Barb worked as a nurse and Bernie worked for the Omaha Post Office. While living in Omaha, the couple had their first two children, Bernie II and Bob. In the fall of 1962, they moved to a small farm near Orchard to help his parents with their farm. There, they had their third child, Gregg, in February 1963. In the fall of 1963, they moved to O'Neill, where Bernie opened and ran the APCO service station. Shortly after that, he was hired as the manager and administrator of the O'Neill Senior Citizens Home. Daniel was born in September 1964. In January 1966, Diane was born. Finally, a girl! In 1964, his father asked him to help with the farm again, and Bernie started commuting from O'Neill and worked the farm with his father until Anton died in 1970. To keep a promise, he had made to Anton, he continued the operation until his mother died in 1978. After that, he gave up the commute and worked in and around O'Neill, including a period at the Westside Truckstop, retiring in 1997 at the age of 62. Bernie loved music. During the 1930s and 1940s, his family, all of whom played musical instruments, would make some extra money playing at dances. He enjoyed playing saxophone, clarinet, trumpet, and guitar. When he was not playing, he loved to listen to ballroom and big band music, and he rarely missed the weekly Lawrence Welk show. He will be remembered for his brilliant mind and musical ability, his quick-witted sense of humor, his happy grin, and the twinkle in his eye. In every setting, he was quietly present, making those around him feel cared for, even in comfortable silence. Bernie and Barb enjoyed socializing with The Card Party, a group of couples who would take turns hosting parties where they played cards, socialized, and enjoyed good food and each other's company. Bernie's legacy is humble and powerful: showing up day after day with kindness, resilience, and an honest word when it mattered. Bernie is survived by three children, Bernie Pruss II and spouse Maru of Denver, Colorado; Daniel Pruss and spouse Linda of Pueblo, Colorado; and Diane Pruss of O'Neill; three grandchildren, Joe Pruss (Bea), Jacob Shelhamer (Heather) and Michael Shelhamer; and seven great-grandchildren, Emma, Jaxton, Kash, Koi, Elliana, Oliver, and Callan; brother, Jim Pruss and spouse Pat; Barb's siblings, Kay Butterfield, Lynn Higgins and spouse Tom, Jim McCarthy and spouse Linda; sister-in-law, Delores McCarthy; along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; two sons, Bob Pruss and Gregg Pruss; his parents, Anton, and Anna (Tresnak), siblings Tony Pruss and spouse Louise, Anne Albracht and spouse Al, Bea Harris and spouse Warren, Marie Herbert and spouse Mel, Lillian Horak and spouse Robert, Barb's siblings Beverly, Ed McCarthy, and brother-in-law Larry Butterfield (Kay's spouse). We will miss him dearly, and we carry him forward-in the way we find joy in quiet moments and in the simple gift of being present for those we love.