Bernard Henry "Bernie" Walz

Bernard Henry "Bernie" Walz, 89, of North Platte, died Saturday, Feb. 19, 2011, at Great Plains Regional Medical Center in North Platte.
Bernie was born Jan. 2, 1922, at Stapleton, to Constant and Katherine E. Beckius Walz. He grew up on the ranch south of Stapleton where he worked before entering the U.S. Army on Oct. 7, 1942. Bernie served in Sicily, Naples Foggia, Rome Arno and North Apennines. He received a Purple Heart with One Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster. After his discharge on July 17, 1945, Bernie returned to working on the ranch.
On Feb. 19, 1951, Bernie married Shirley Irene Simants Konruff in Stapleton. They made their home on the ranch until they moved 8 miles west of North Platte in 1958. They also lived in the Hershey and North Platte areas. Bernie worked as an assistant manager at Gibsons for several years until he retired.
Bernie was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church, P.R. Halligan Post #163 American Legion, V.F.W. Post #1504, B.P.O. Elks #985, Moose Lodge #551 and the Eagles Aeries #2839.
Survivors include his wife, Irene, of North Platte; a daughter, Sherri (Dave) Laubner, of North Platte; three sons, Ken (Pat) Walz, of Hershey, and Randy (Sheila) Walz and Rich Walz, all of North Platte; nine grandchildren; four great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Lois (LeRoy) Branting, of North Platte; and other family.
He was preceded in death by his parents; a sister, Rita Watson; and a nephew, Russell Sandberg.
Cremation was chosen. Memorial service is 1 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 22, 2011, at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore with Father Jim Novakowski officiating. Inurnment with military honors will follow in Ft. McPherson National Cemetery. The guestbook can be signed at odeanchapel.com or from 8:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Monday at Odean Colonial Chapel At C & Sycamore which is in charge of arrangements.