Bernie Horst

Bernie Horst, 69 of Grand Island, died peacefully, Friday, September 21, 2018 at CHI Health St. Francis, Grand Island, Nebraska. He fought hard and long in an extremely difficult and painful journey with courage and endurance.



Funeral services will be 10:30 a.m. Wednesday, September 26, 2018, at Third City Christian Church with the Rev. Scott Jones officiating. Burial will be in Westlawn Memorial Park Cemetery, Grand Island. Visitation hours will be 4-7 p.m. Tuesday, September 25, 2018 at the Apfel Funeral Home, Grand Island. Memorials are suggested to rettsyndrome.org. Apfel Funeral Home is caring for the family.



Bernie was born, March 2, 1949 in Grand Island, the son of Merle E. & Imogene (Stelk) Horst. He grew up in rural Doniphan and received his education at Giltner Public Schools, graduating with the class of 1967. He was active in football, basketball and track at Giltner. He qualified for the Nebraska State Track Meet in high jump in 1967 and was elected Athletic King. He attended Kearney State College where he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration with a major in Accounting.



He was united in marriage to Margene Kuhlmann, June 21, 1970 in North Platte, NE. The couple made their home in Kearney from 1970-1972 later moving to Lincoln from 1972-1976 where he was an accountant at Notifier Company, and a staff accountant with Miller & Moore, CPA’s. In 1976 they moved to Grand Island where he was a shareholder at McDermott & Miller CPA’s and at the time of his death the co-owner of Horst & Associates CPA’s with his son, Steve.



He was a member of Messiah Lutheran Church, Trinity Lutheran Church, Grand Island Saddle Club, 4-H, Beta Sigma Psi Fraternity, American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, Nebraska Society of CPA’s and the National Society of Accountants for Cooperatives.



Bernie was raised on a farm in Hamilton County where he enjoyed the hard work of raising crops and livestock. His family was very active in Hall County 4-H, showing cattle and swine that they raised. His first career choice would have been farming, but due to a weak back that wasn’t possible. At that point in his life, he used his farming passion and background to advise farmers and other clients. He appreciated the opportunity to help his clients and others. He was very proud of being a CPA and having his two sons, Steve and Justin, along with his brother, Merle, earn the distinction as well. His son, Justin and several family members are CFO’s (Chief Financial Officers.) They are a family of “bean counters!”



Bernie enjoyed water skiing with the family. He wanted all of his clients to know that he was grateful for the opportunity to advise them throughout the years; he considered them family. In his final days, Bernie genuinely expressed love, final instructions and advice to family with tearful goodbyes and a clear mind.



Those left to cherish his memory include his wife, Margene of Grand Island, two sons and daughters-in-law, Steve & Jacy Horst of Grand Island, Justin & Susan Horst of Gretna, Nebraska; grandchildren, Haley & Braden of Grand Island, Arabelle, Adelaide and Justin Pierce of Gretna, two brothers & sisters-in-law, Merle & Kay Horst of San Diego, California, Ron & Rita Horst of Kearney, Nebraska, sister & brother-in-law Eileen & Tim Richter of Kearney, Nebraska.



He was preceded in death by his parents.