Bernie Horst, 69, of Grand Island died peacefully Friday, Sept. 21, 2018, at CHI Health-St. Francis. 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 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 from 4 to 7 p.m. Tuesday at Apfel Funeral Home in Grand Island.

Bernie was born on 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 in Business Administration with a major in accounting.
He was united in marriage to Margene Kuhlmann on June 21, 1970, in North Platte. The couple made their home in Kearney from 1970 to 1972, later moving to Lincoln from 1972 to 1976. There, he was an accountant at Notifier Company, and a staff accountant with Miller & Moore. In 1976, they moved to Grand Island where he was a shareholder at McDermott & Miller and, at the time of his death, the co-owner of Horst & Associates 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 CFOs (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 and Jacy Horst of Grand Island, Justin and Susan Horst of Gretna; grandchildren, Haley and Braden of Grand Island, Arabelle, Adelaide and Justin Pierce of Gretna; two brothers and sisters-in-law, Merle and Kay Horst of San Diego, Calif., Ron and Rita Horst of Kearney; and brother-in-law, Eileen and Tim Richter of Kearney.
He was preceded in death by his parents.