Bernard C Strawder

BERNARD STRAWDER, age 78 of Wallace, passed away Monday, April 25, 2016 at Great Plains Health in North Platte, NE.

Bernard was born August 25, 1937 at Wallace, Nebraska to Elmer and Gertrude "Gertie" (Brisbon) Strawder. He graduated from Wallace High School with the class of 1955.

On June 9, 1959, Bernard married Roma Melton at Wallace. Their union was blessed with 5 children, Veva, Monte, Sandy "Sam", Shey and Cody. Bernie and Roma moved to the Melton family ranch in 1986 where they lived out their days ranching.

Bernard and Roma were always about family and friends. Roma always cooked wonderful meals while Bernard often entertained. Bernard was sarcastic and always in a joking mood. Their gatherings were typically full of good food, laughter and good times.

Over the years Bernard had picked up a special knack for handling horses. He could embarrass his children just by pointing and shaking his finger at one of his horses, Candybar. This would make the horse run to the opposite end of the arena. He was very proud and bragged about his Red Angus cow herd any time he had the chance. One of Bernard's favorite activities later in life was playing cards. The thing he enjoyed even more than playing was teaching his grand and greats how a game could teach life lessons. Many of the kids learned their math skills from playing "Cards for Dummies" with Papa. He cherished time with his family, especially his grandchildren and great grandchildren, who he always kept a stash of jellybeans for.

He was a member of the Wallace Roping Club for many years and was a recipient of the Old Timer's Buckle.

Bernard was preceded in death by his wife, Roma in September of 2015; his parents; and 3 siblings, Jo Allard, Ruth Kissinger and Wayne Strawder.

Survivors include his 5 children, Veva Strawder, Monty Strawder, Shey Strawder, Cody (Heather) Strawder all of Wallace; Sandy "Sam" (Monte) Noffsinger of Haigler; 9 grandchildren, Felicia, Courtney, Casey, Dakota, Hailey, Ainsley, Derek, Riley and Gracie; 5 great grandchildren, August, Cooper, Charli, Johnathan and Ollie; brother, Fred Strawder of Vancouver, WA; 2 sisters, Dorothy Detenbeck and Ann Westergren both of Lincoln; several nieces and nephews; his wonderful friends and neighbors, affectionately referred to as the "Creek Crew", and many other relatives and friends.

A memorial has been established in Bernard's memory for later designation. Condolences may be shared at bullocklongfuneralhome.com, where the services will be streamed live for those unable to attend.

Memorial services will be on Saturday, April 30, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. CT at the Wallace Community Hall with Pastor Shannon Williams officiating. Interment of cremains will be in the Melton Cemetery southeast of Wallace. Register book signing will be on Friday, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at the Bullock-Long Funeral Home in Grant.

Bullock-Long Funeral Home of Grant is in charge of arrangements.