Bernard Dean Mariska, age 91 was born May 12, 1931 in Milford, Nebraska to John and Mildred (Kubicek) and passed away December 7, 2022 at Tabitha in Crete surrounded by his family. Bernard graduated from Crete High School in 1949. In 1951, he married his life-long sweetheart Barbara Ellen Mariska (Weilage) in Wichita Falls, Texas.  Bernard joined the Air Force in 1950 and served in Texas, Louisiana and Maine.   After Bernard's discharge from the Air Force in 1953, Bernard and Barb returned to Crete. Bernard began farming and worked construction.   Bernard and Barb raised three children: Jeffrey, Lisa and Lynda. After his wife's retirement, Bernard and Barb enjoyed traveling to various places within the United States.   In his spare time, Bernard enjoyed hunting, working on small engines, tinkering in his shop and spending time on the farm.  He also enjoyed putting together countless jigsaw puzzles.  He was preceded in death by his wife Barbara, parents, sister in law Carole Hatfield, brother-in-law's Albert Hatfield Jr. and Jim Johnson. Survivors include: son Jeffrey of Crete, daughter Lynda (Stephen) Anderson of Lincoln, daughter Lisa (Jonny) Cox of Florida. Grandson's Jared Anderson (Holly) and Nicholas Cox of Florida, Sister in law Connie Johnson. Bernard's wishes were to be cremated with private family services.  Inurnment is at Crete Riverside Cemetery.  Memorials to Tabitha Hospice in Crete.  Arrangements entrusted to Kuncl Funeral Home in Crete.