Bernard Dean Mariska, age 91, was born May 12, 1931, in Milford, to John and Mildred (Kubicek) and passed away Dec. 7, 2022, at Tabitha in Crete surrounded by his family.
Bernard graduated from Crete High School in 1949. In 1951, he married his life-long sweetheart, Barbara Ellen Mariska (Weilage) in Wichita Falls, Texas. Bernard joined the Air Force in 1950 and served in Texas, Louisiana and Maine. After Bernard’s discharge from the Air Force in 1953, Bernard and Barb returned to Crete. Bernard began farming and worked construction.
Bernard and Barb raised three children, Jeffrey, Lisa and Lynda. After his wife’s retirement, Bernard and Barb enjoyed traveling to various places within the United States. In his spare time, Bernard enjoyed hunting, working on small engines, tinkering in his shop and spending time on the farm. He also enjoyed putting together countless jigsaw puzzles.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Barbara; parents; sister-in-law, Carole Hatfield; brothers-in-law, Albert Hatfield, Jr., and Jim Johnson. Survivors include his son, Jeffrey of Crete; daughter, Lynda (Stephen) Anderson of Lincoln; daughter, Lisa (Jonny) Cox of Florida; grandsons, Jared Anderson (Holly) and Nicholas Cox of Florida; and sister-in-law, Connie Johnson.
Bernard’s wishes were to be cremated with private family services. Inurnment is at Crete Riverside Cemetery. Memorial contributions are suggested to Tabitha Hospice in Crete. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.kunclfh.com.
