Bernard Eugene Nanke, 95, of Waterloo, died at home Wednesday, January 1, 2025. He was born in Waterloo on September 14, 1929, the son of Frank and Carrie Smallwood Nanke. Bernard served in the US Air Force from 1951-1954 and married Donna Kimrey on October 8, 1960, in Waterloo. The couple was blessed with two children. Bernard worked as a lithographer before beginning a career in the foundry at John Deere.

Bernard stayed active right up to his passing. The things Bernie cherished most were spending time with family, connecting with friends, and watching his horse's race. Bernie loved watching his children grow up, start their careers and families of their own. When grandchildren arrived his excitement and smile grew shining even brighter. At some point, in every conversation, he always asked what his grandkids were doing. Watching them achieve their own success was extremely satisfying to him. For Bernie horses were not just a hobby, they were part of his DNA. The horse community was an extension of his family. He was passionate about breeding, raising, and train his own horses. Very similar to his own children and grandchildren, Bernie would watch his horses grow up and make their way to the racetrack. He looked forward to every racing season, going to races, and interacting with as many people as he could. Bernie raced harness horses for the love of the animal and sport. Being inducted into the Iowa Harness Horsemen's Hall of Fame was a lifetime achievement that he never really thought about. In addition to his strong beliefs about family, Bernie was a strong believer in agriculture. Believing that agriculture was the cornerstone of a vital society.

Bernard is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter Kim (Brett) Hurst of Waterloo; son Kevin (Kathy) Nanke of Edmond, OK; grandsons Grant (Megan) Nanke of Jones, OK, Dane Hurst of Waterloo, and Elijah Nanke of Edmond, OK; and a sister Kolene (Ed) Copas of Las Vegas, NV. Bernard was preceded in death by his parents, brother Don Nanke and sister Janene Marcussen.

A visitation will be Sunday, January 5, 2025, from 3-5 pm at Locke on 4th Street, 1519 W. 4th Street, Waterloo with a private family graveside service with military honors at a later date. In lieu of flowers, memorials should be directed to the Iowa Harness Scholarship Fund (IHHA) at Iowa Harness Racing Association, c/o Steve Shelangoski, 413 3rd St SW, Swisher, IA 52338 in Bernard's memory. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lockefuneralservices.com.