Dr. Bernard ‘Bernie’ Mullen

Bernie was born Dec. 14, 1936 in Wewela, South Dakota to George and Margaret (Gierau) Mullen. Bernie had 3 sisters. Bernie’s family moved to Bloomfield when he was in high school. He worked at the family store, Mullen market and was active in high school sports. He also would sometimes chaperone his older sisters at dances. Dancing was a life long passion of Bernie’s. 

After Bernie graduated from Bloomfield High school, he attended Creighton University and Southern College of Optometry in Memphis,TN. On the dance floor in Memphis is where he met his future wife, Nona. 

Bernard graduated with a Doctor of Optometry in 1959. Dr. Mullen completed his Army basic training after graduation and moved to McCook Ne where he started practicing Optometry at McCook Eye Clinic. Bernie was called back to the service and was then honorably discharged from active duty in 1961 after serving at Fort Carson, Colorado. He returned to the Army reserve for the completion of his military obligation.

Bernie convinced his southern sweetheart to move to McCook and Bernie and Nona were married Sept. 29, 1960. They had two children, Brenda and John.

Bernie was a lifetime member of the American Optometric Association. He served as President of the Nebraska organization and was Nebraska Optometrist of the year. He worked with the legislature to pass a bill that enabled optometrists to prescribe eye medications to their patients. He also started a lab, called Delta Enterprises with 2 other area optometrists. He was active in the National organization, attending conventions, conferences and keeping up on the changes in the field.  Dr. Mullen retired from optometry after 43 years in 2002.

In addition to serving the community of McCook as an eye doctor, Bernie was active in his church, and community. He was in Knights of Columbus, 3rd degree and helped work fundraising booths at the church and county fair. He was active in Toastmasters, Kiwanis, the Elks club, the YMCA and was on the boards of the golf course, community hospital and the YMCA. He and his buddies were regulars in the stands for McCook High school and College football and basketball.

Bernie was an avid golfer. He enjoyed working out at the Y, skiing in Colorado, dancing with his wife and friends. Bernie and Nona initiated in memory of their son, The John Mullen Memorial Pro-Am which supported the Community Hospital. The family made the decision to retire the name after 30 years. The tournament is still in existence having recently changed to a one day format.

After 43 years in McCook, Bernie and Nona retired to Hot Springs Village Arkansas. There they enjoyed an active retirement for over 20 years. Bernie golfed almost daily and walked miles a day. He was again active in the community in the computer club, men’s club at church and he and Nona went dancing as often as they could. They enjoyed traveling to see family and friends and spent their winters in South Padre Texas, walking on the beach and dancing. 

Bernie moved to Lincoln, May 2023, after the sudden passing of his wife Nona. He still enjoyed live music and dancing, walking outside and at the mall. He enjoyed spending time with his family and friends, long drives, especially around Holmes Lake and the local golf courses. He also enjoyed attending high school football games again with his daughter. 

Bernie was a true gentleman and always insisted on opening doors for others and having them walk in front of him. He was kind, helpful and quick with a smile. In his younger days he was the perfect host and he and Nona loved to entertain and open their home to friends and family. Even his last year, he enjoyed hosting duties at his daughters home. Bernie was always there to help push a friends wheelchair and make sure he danced with everyone in the group and do whatever needed to be done. He didn’t walk through his day, he danced.

Bernie was preceded in death by his parents, George and Margaret; his son John, his wife, Nona and his sister Martha Peters.

Bernie is survived by his daughter Brenda Mullen and granddaughter Kerstin Mullen-Bagby, both of Lincoln, NE. His grandson, Brandon Mullen-Bagby (Melissa Lee) of Silverton, OR and his great-granddaughter  Ruby Lee of Silverton, OR. Also his sisters, Bernadette “Bernie” Skrivan, and Marcella Bohart-Wills and brothers-in-law, Bill Skrivan and Jess Wills as well as numerous nieces and nephews and friends near and far. We are all better people for having spent time with Bernie, he was always positive and inspirational and will be missed by all who knew him.

Memorial Mass will be held 10:30 am Saturday Sept. 21, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 7900 Trendwood Drive, Lincoln NE.

Rosary to be held at 10 prior to the Memorial Mass.

Graveside service and burial of ashes will be at Calvary Cemetery in McCook, NE at a future date.

Memorials are suggested to McCook Community Foundation, P.O. Box 525, McCook, NE 69001.