Don L. Bern, age 90, of Wahoo, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 17, 2026, in Wahoo, surrounded by his family. Don was born on June 18, 1935, in Sioux City, Iowa, to Arthur and Mary (Brown) Bern and grew up on his parents' farm.

After graduating from Luther College in Wahoo, Don became the third of four generations of the Bern family to own and operate the family building supply business in Wahoo. Many in the community knew him best through the Gambles Store, which later became Ace Hardware and eventually Do It Best. He retired in 1997.

On October 23, 1955, Don married Dorothy "Dottie" Blair in Wahoo. There were married seventy years.

Don's commitment to community was woven throughout his life. As Scoutmaster of Boy Scout Troop 246, he mentored countless young men and helped many achieve the rank of Eagle Scout, leading adventures across the country and organizing efforts to equip the troop with canoes and supplies. He served as President of the Wahoo Chamber of Commerce and was instrumental in the installation of the USS Wahoo torpedo on the Saunders County Courthouse lawn. As a Longtime Care Ombudsman, he advocated for the elderly, working to improve the long-term care system. A longtime member of First Presbyterian Church, he served as an usher and ordained Deacon. He also served in the Nebraska Air National Guard and was a member of Wahoo VFW Post #4502. Quietly and without recognition, he faithfully donated blood for many years, believing it was simply his responsibility.

In retirement, Don and Dottie built a lake cabin in Minnesota, where they created years of happy memories fishing, taking pontoon rides, and hosting family and friends. He also developed a deep interest in Native American arrowheads and artifacts, becoming a sought-after speaker in local schools and civic groups, eager to share both knowledge and enthusiasm.

He is survived by his children, Jacy Douglas; Tim (Nancy) Bern; Lynette (Mark) Hraban; and Allyson (Tim) Maly; his grandchildren, Jessica (James) Novotny, Jennifer (Aaron) Erks, Mitch (Kristen) Bern, Andy Bern, Alex (Erin) Bern, Mindy (Mike) Wallace, Cole (Kari) Hraban, Mackenzie (Nick) Chapek, Madyson (Brandon) Breunig, Seth Maly (fiancé Halle Heiss), and Bailey Maly (fiancé Logan Brabec); seventeen great-grandchildren; his brother, Mark (Elise) Bern; special family member Barb Sukstorf; and many other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife Dottie; his parents Arthur and Mary; his sisters Peggy (Larry) Cole and Karen (Jim) Fauver; and his son-in-law Mike Douglas.

Funeral services were at 10 am Saturday, February 21, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church. Interment was at Sunrise Cemetery. Memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, Wahoo Volunteer Fire Department, or to the family. Pruss-Nabity Funeral Home was in charge of the arrangements.

Published by Wahoo Newspaper on Feb. 27, 2026.