Bernie Spencer

Bernie Spencer age 96 of Hyannis, NE passed away October 17, 2021, at the Morrill County Community Hospital in Bridgeport, NE.

Bernard Richard Spencer was born September 24, 1925, north of Hyannis to Albertus “Bert” and Mary (McKinney) Spencer. He attended school in Alliance and Broadwater. Bernie was drafted into the Army in 1942 and was Honorable Discharged August 5, 1947. After returning home he worked for Everett Eldred in Lisco, NE. One pasture had 88 windmills, one for each 640 acres. He used a wagon with four horses, and one lead saddle horse to distribute salt. It took several days to make the circle. They furnished good Morgan horses which he broke for both saddle and work horses. After his first year there he was promoted to manager of the ranch. Bernie then went to work for Rush Creek Land and Livestock Company for the next 52 years, managing one of their ranches until he retired in 2002.

Bernie was united in marriage to Francis Ellen Roby in 1952 at Scottsbluff, NE. To this union three children were born Debra, Katrina, and Bernard Tracy. Bernie was as honest as any man known, and was appreciated as a good neighbor, and community member. He was a real traditional cowboy. He worked mostly with horses and livestock his entire life. In 2019 Bernie was inducted in to the Sandhills Cowboy Hall of Fame.  Bernie was Honored with a Military Quilt of Valor. He also enjoyed fishing, hunting, and leather work along the way.

Bernie is survived by his wife Frances of Hyannis, children Deb (Mark) Jasnoch of Lewellen, Katrina (Roscoe) Haase of Valentine, and Trace (Lisa) Spencer of Dixon, SD, seven grandchildren: B.J. (Shana) Merrihew, K.C. Merrihew, Taylor (Nicole) Spencer, Caitlin (Josh) Spencer Redden, Drew (Saddie) Spencer, Carter (Janet) Haase, and Dean (Chesney) Haase and to these unions nine great grandchildren, half-sisters, Lola Walker, Alberta Catron, and Vera Thurman.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents Bert and Mary, a brother Sidney Spencer, and sister IdaMae Spencer.

Funeral services will be October 26, 2021, at 10: 30 am MT at the Hyannis Congregational Church in Hyannis, NE with Pastor Debra Johndreau officiating. The service will be livestreamed at www.govierbrothers.com. Burial will be in the Hyannis Cemetery with Military Honors. Memorials are suggested to Hyannis Ambulance, The American Legion, or Donor’s Choice. A visitation will take place October 25^th from 5:30 to 7:00 pm MT at the Mullen Funeral Home in Mullen, NE. Please feel free to dress casual for the services. Govier Brothers Mortuary of Broken Bow/Arnold/Mullen are in charge of arrangements. An online guest book may be signed at www.govierbrothers.com.