Berniece E. Fiala, 95

Berniece E. (Duda) Fiala, age 95, passed away September 15, 2023 at Cottonwood Villa in Ainsworth, NE. Berniece was born April 25, 1928 to Peter and Victoria (Gregoroski) Duda in Ord, NE along with her twin sister who passed at birth. Berniece grew up on the family farm with four brothers and four sisters. She graduated from Ord High School in 1944 and began teaching.

In 1953, Berniece was united in marriage to Donald Fiala and moved to Ainsworth in 1954 where she spent the rest of her life. She was blessed with her five children, Bruce, Jan, Bryan, Brad and Jeannie. Her kids were her life and she was proud of each and every one of them. She enjoyed family get-togethers, especially Christmas. Her kids and grandkids will have many memories of their Christmas’ at Grandma “B’s”.

Berniece was well-known for waiting tables for many, many years including Hidden Paradise and the Golden Steer. If you were an annual customer, she could remember your food and beverage of choice. She also worked at Stech Pharmacy, Commercial National Bank and the ESU until retirement.

Berniece loved to dance. Polka dances were her favorite. She was an avid card player, which she took very seriously. She also enjoyed bowling and was a state champion at pitching horseshoes. Berniece was a wonderful cook and was well-known for her dumplings and sauerkraut, kolaches, rolicky and chocolate roll.

Our mother, Berniece, was one of the strongest women we ever knew. She always put the needs of family before her own. She was a great example of inspiration to all of us and was a very faithful Catholic her entire life. She was Grandma “B” to not only her grandkids, but to all the kids that knew her. She will be deeply missed by everyone whose lives she touched.

Berniece was preceded in death by her parents; her son, Bruce; four sisters and three brothers.

She is survived by her daughter, Jan (Merv) Buoy of Bassett, NE; sons, Bryan Fiala of Grand Island, NE, and Brad (Ann) Fiala of Ainsworth; daughter, Jeannie (Rick) Fritz of Creighton, NE; along with 13 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren; a brother, Eddie Duda of Asbury Park, NJ; along with many nieces, nephews and friends.

Mother, you will always be in our hearts and we know you stayed strong until the very end.

Memorial Services were held Saturday, October 21st, at St. Pius X Church in Ainsworth with Father Mike Wetovick officiating. CD selection of “Amazing Grace” by Alan Jackson was played. Congregational hymns, “Here I Am Lord”, “On Eagles Wings” and “How Great Thou Art” were accompanied by Nichole Flynn. Urn Bearers were Ryan Fiala, Trent Buoy, Chance Fiala, Grayson Fiala, Austin Fiala, Drake Fiala, Pierce Fiala and Kaleb Fiala. Gift Bearers were Misty Sorensen, Paxton Fiala, Whitney Fritz, Aleece Fiala and Ashtyn Fiala. Inurnment followed the service in the Ainsworth Cemetery, and a recording of Joe McBride singing “Blue Eyes Crying In The Rain” was played. Memorials are suggested to the family in Berniece’s name for future designation. Hoch Funeral Home of Ainsworth was in charge of arrangements and online condolences may be left for the family at www.hochfuneralhome.com