Bernard “Bernie” Belka, 97, died Jan. 28, 2022. He was born Nov. 21, 1924, in Dorchester, to Bert and Alice (Tenopir) Belka, and was the youngest of three children.
After graduating from Dorchester High School, Bernie served in the Navy during World War II, then returned to Nebraska to farm, and learned the electrical trade from his brother-in-law. He met Louise Havranek in Crete, and they were married in 1948. They lived in Kansas briefly, where he did electrical work, then returned to Lincoln. Bernie worked at Goodyear for 30+ years, as an electrician, supervisor, then foreman of the maintenance department. Bernie also had his own electrical company, “Bernie’s Electric.” After he retired, he served as a volunteer at the VA Hospital.
Bernie enjoyed fishing and hunting, and training his beloved hunting dogs. He and Louise enjoyed dancing during their nearly 60 years together, until her death in 2008.
Bernie is survived by his sons, Kevin Belka (Leslie), Dean Belka (Sue) and Alan Belka (Mary); grandchildren, Kevin (“Chip”) Belka, Jr. (Ginger), Dr. Laura Belka Quasha (Jeffrey), Matt Belka (Nichol) and Katie Belka Becker (Alan); and seven great-grandchildren, Sophie, Chase, Joshua, Austin, Boden, Burke and Lillian. He was preceded in death by his wife, Louise; parents; sisters, Delores Belka Vejraska, Anna Belka Sysel; and daughter-in-law, Shelley Franklin Belka.
Bernie may no longer be with us, but many a home shines brighter, thanks to Bernie – and Bernie’s Electric
A Celebration of Life will be Saturday, March 5, at 2 p.m. at Lincoln Memorial Park. Family and friends will meet at gate 2 prior to the service. Memorial contributions are suggested to KFOR’s Operation Santa Claus.
