She was born in Ceresco, Nebraska on August 30, 1933, to Charles and Antonette (Svoboda) Sabatka. She graduated from Wahoo High School in 1950. On June 9, 1956, Bernice was united in marriage to the love of her life Gordon Hegel. In her early years she enjoyed dancing, gardening, traveling, and even had a short, but formative career as a model that transitioned to an incredible fashion sense that lasted decades.
She served as a financial counselor and later vice president for First Federal Bank for 43 years, where she was loved and respected by her customers and coworkers. She was an active member of St John’s Catholic Church, an avid Husker fan, and enjoyed spending quality time with her family and friends.
She is survived by her loving husband Gordon of 69 years; her children John Hegel and Constance (Morris) Liesemeyer; grandchildren Taylor (Samuel) Morehead and Courtney (Dylan) Liesemeyer; as well as great-grandchildren Benjamin and Elijah.
She was preceded in death by her parents Charles and Antoinette Sabatka and her brother Alden Sabatka.
A Rosary service will be held at St John's Catholic Church, located at 7601 Vine Street, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68505, on December 17, 2025, starting at 10:00 am. This will be followed by a Catholic Mass at the same location at 10:30 am.
Interment will take place at Lincoln Memorial Park and Cemetery, 6700 South 14th Street, Lincoln, Nebraska, 68512. Attendees will meet at Gate #2 prior to the service at 1:30 pm on December 17, 2025.
Pallbearers for the services are Taylor Morehead, Courtney Liesemeyer, Sam Morehead, Dylan Kallhoff, Travis Anderson, and Adam Anderson.
Memorials can be made to the Church or the family.
