Bernard Lynn Rath, 77, of Elmira, Oregon, passed away peacefully at home on June 24, 2024.
Bernard was born February 22, 1947, to Maurice and Darline Rath in Aurora, NE and grew up in Harvard, Nebraska. He graduated from Harvard High School in 1965 and then attended Kearney State College, majoring in Industrial Arts.
Bernard married Shirleen Kay Colwell on November 24, 1967. They were blessed with two sons, Daniel Lynn and Randy Alan. Bernard was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1968 and served in Viet Nam. He was seriously wounded in January 1969, earning the Purple Heart medal.
They moved to Savannah, Missouri where they built their own home. Bernard was an active member, including Commander, of the Disabled American Veterans in St. Joseph, MO and was a lifetime member of the VFW. He belonged to the NRA, a local rock hounding group and the Silver & Gold Senior Club in St Joseph. They enjoyed traveling across America until Shirleen’s death in 2016.
Bernard later moved to Oregon and married Dee Ann Inman on April 17, 2021. They enjoyed treasure hunting at garage sales and were avid collectors of unique rocks. Gardening was also a lifelong passion; he especially enjoyed sharing stories with everyone. They also cared for each other through various medical issues during their short time together.
Bernard is preceded in death by his parents, his wife Shirleen, and their son Daniel Rath.
Survivors include his wife Dee Ann; son, Randy Rath, St. Joseph, Mo; brothers Clifford Rath (Mary), Dallas, TX; Gary Rath (Kathy), Aurora, NE; sister Vicki Parker (Darrell) of Veneta, OR; stepdaughters Lee Ballard (Jeffrey), Heidi Wilson (Mark), stepsons Ray Hoover (Karen) and Jake Inman (Jennifer), many nieces and nephews and numerous other relatives and friends.
Farewell Services and Public Livestream 10:00 A.M. Monday, Meierhoffer Funeral Home & Crematory. The family will gather one hour prior to the service. Farewell Services 12:00 Noon Tuesday, Harvard United Church of Christ, Harvard, Nebraska. Interment Harvard Cemetery.
