Bernard “Barney” Patrick O’Hern

Bernard (Barney) Patrick O’Hern, 91, of Palmer, passed away on Monday, July 7, 2025, at the Howard County Medical Center in St. Paul. 

A Memorial Mass will be held at 2:00 P.M. on Friday, July 11, 2025, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul.  Inurnment will be held in the Rose Hill Cemetery in Palmer. 

Family will greet friends from 5-7 P.M. on Thursday,  July 10, 2025, at Sts. Peter and Paul Catholic Church in St. Paul.  A Rosary will follow at 7:00 P.M. at the church. 

Barney was born on January 29, 1934, in Palmer to Bernard Michael and Roberta Ann Stout O’Hern.

Barney grew up on a farm north of Palmer with his parents and three siblings. He attended and graduated from Palmer Public School in 1951. He played basketball and in his later years boxed. He loved Model -T cars, gardening, playing cards, dancing, and Royals baseball. He had no trouble sharing his strong political views.

He farmed for two years before joining the Marines. He was stationed in Japan at Mount Fuji Military base, from 1954-1957, where he drove a truck and hauled Tactical Electric Power (TEP).

He returned to Palmer and spent the next 8 years running Barney’s Tavern from 1960-1968.  He then sold the bar to George and Sandy Davis and began working at Island Supply in Grand Island. He made deliveries for them all over the United States. Finally at the age of 79, he retired.

He married the love of his life, Maxine Simonson, a widow with five kids, in January of 1973.  Michael was born into this union which made a family of six. Barney was a wonderful dad, step-dad, granddad, and great-grandpa.

He was a proud fireman as well as a member of the American Legion for over 63 years. He held offices and was honored to be commander at one time. He loved following his kids and grandkids activities. Announcing Legion baseball was a passion, and he was known for calling balls and strikes even before the umpires. He was also a member of Knights of Columbus, Leiderkranz, Saddle Club, and Vet’s Club. His Catholic faith was unwavering.

Barney was known for his warmth, wisdom, and quick wit. He had an unconditional love for his family, country, his Irish heritage, and friends. Those left to cherish his memory are his children, Ron Simonson, Kathy Wegner, Shelley (Dwight) Pflipsen, Randy (Monica) Simonson and Bryan (Lynn) Simonson; 16 grandchildren, Nic (Kori) Simonson, Mark (Maggi) Simonson, Max (Tom) Simonson, Ashley (Blaine) Cornelius, Neil (Kate) Wegner, Lindsay Nicholas, Zach Nicholas, Alex (Stephanie) Pflipsen, Brianne Pflipsen, Logan (Karly) Simonson, Bailey (Darius) Williams, Brandon (Jacqui) Simonson, Chelsey (Adam) Clemens, Seth Simonson, Adaylee O’Hern, and Milly O’Hern; 22 great-grandchildren, Reese and Rowan Simonson, Maisy and Cora Simonson, Harper, Hensley and Hux Wissing, Connar, Beau and Charlee Wegner, Aubryn and Justice Sparks, Eli and Kasey Simonson, Cohen and Scottie Lynn Williams, A.J. and Clare Clemans, Marlee, Lucee, and Jaxon Simonson, Mariah, Halle and Rosie O’Hern; 2 great-great grandchildren, Adaylnn and Kohl; sister and brother-in-law, Jeanette (Dick) Spiehs.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Maxine O’Hern; son, Michael; daughter-in-law, Marybeth O’Hern; daughter-in-law, Vicki Simonson; son-in-law, Doug Wegner; siblings, Tim O’Hern, Margaret Rubesh, and Patsy Williams.

Memorials may be directed to the family, Palmer Fire and Rescue or American Legion Post 120.