Bernard L. Polson

Born on March 28, 1938, in Palisade, Nebraska, to Ralph Polson Sr. and Luella Gregston, Bernie grew up with a hardworking spirit. After graduating from Stratton High School in 1956, he answered the call to serve his country by joining the United States Navy. Following his training at Yeoman School in Maryland, he was assigned to Patrol Squadron 23 in Brunswick, Maine. He served with pride on active duty until 1959, when he was honorably discharged. He then served two years of inactive reserve duty.

Upon returning to civilian life, Bernie began a career defined by loyalty and longevity. He joined the Chicago Burlington & Quincy Railroad (later Burlington Northern), where he dedicated 37 years of service before retiring in 2000. Never one to sit still for long, Bernie spent his early retirement years working part-time at Claritus and the AV Cafe, where he remained a familiar face until 2005.

On June 8, 1968, Bernie was united in marriage to the love of his life, Dawn Lockwood, in Brock, Nebraska. Their journey together took them from Lincoln and Omaha to Arvada, Colorado, before they eventually returned home to Lincoln in 1981 to raise their family.

Bernie was a man of many passions. He was well-known for his talents in the kitchen, specifically his sugar cookies and pies, which were a treat for all who knew him. He was a fervent sports fan, cheering loudly for Nebraska Volleyball, the Denver Broncos, and Duke Basketball. He also cherished the lifelong camaraderie found in his gatherings with the "4 J's."

Above all, Bernie's greatest joy was his role as a grandfather. He was the number-one fan of his grandson, Tanner Jonas, rarely missing a single activity or milestone. Bernie's pride in Tanner was boundless, and he would have done anything in the world for him.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, Ralph Polson Sr. and Luella Gregston, his brothers Eugene Polson and Ralph Polson Jr., his sister, Donna Lautenschlager, and his beloved wife, Dawn, who passed away in 2021.

He leaves behind a legacy of love and steadfastness in his children Teri (Tim) Jonas; David Polson and his significant other, Shunda, his beloved grandson Tanner Jonas; his brother Richard (Sharon) Polson; a host of nieces and nephews, and many dear friends.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be directed to the family for designation at a later date.