Bernard L. Stichka, 78, of Mullen died September 16, 2018, at Linden Court in North Platte, NE.  Bernard was born May 13, 1940, in Hyannis, NE to George and Eileen Stichka.  Bernard attended elementary school in Seneca, NE living with his grandmother, Mary McNitt.  While growing up, Bernard enjoyed working with his father's stock contracting business at local rodeos.  Bernard graduated from Thedford High School with the Class of 1958, and after graduation he attended Colorado State University for two years.

On June 2, 1962, Bernard married his high school sweetheart, Barbara Hanna in Valentine, NE.  They enjoyed 56 years of marriage and to this union, three children were born, Pam, Bobbi, and Steve.  Bernard and Barb lived the country life beginning at the Stichka family ranch located west of Brownlee for 16 years before moving to their current ranch north of Mullen, Big Creek Ranch, in 1978.

Bernard served on school boards for both Brownlee and Thedford High schools.  He enjoyed the Sand Hill ranching life- style for the remainder of his life.  He liked attending all of the local athletic competitions where his children, and more recently, his grandchildren were participating.

Bernard was preceded in death by his parents George and Eileen; and sister, Rosemary Uhlrich.

He is survived by his wife, Barb; daughter, Pam (Dave) Carpenter of Valentine; daughter, Bobbi (Bryan) Sweet of North Platte; and son, Steve (Mendy) Stichka of Mullen; grandchildren Waylon Carpenter; Michael (Shayna) Stichka; Matthew Stichka; Ashley Sweet; and Zachary Sweet; his brothers Marv (Janice) Stichka of Tulsa, OK; Bob Stichka of Gentry, Arkansas; and sister, Helen Eileen Mallory of Mullen, NE.

A celebration of Life for Bernard Stichka age 78 of Mullen will be held on Saturday, September 22 at 11:00 AM CT at the Presbyterian Church in Valentine.  A book signing will be held on Friday, September 21 at 10 AM to 9 PM at Sandoz Chapel of the Pines in Valentine. In Lieu of flowers, memorials maybe made to the donors choice.