Columbus, OH — Bernard Eugene Nanke, 95, of Waterloo, Iowa, died at home Jan. 1, 2025.
He was born in Waterloo on Sept. 14, 1929, the son of Frank and Carrie (Smallwood).
He served in the US Air Force from 1951-1954 and married Donna Kimrey on Oct. 8, 1960, in Waterloo. The couple was blessed with two children. He worked as a lithographer before beginning a career in the foundry at John Deere.
Mr. Nanke stayed active right up to his passing. The things he cherished most were spending time with family, connecting with friends, and watching his horses race.
He 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 Mr. Nanke, 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 training his own horses. Very similar to his own children and grandchildren, he 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. He raced Standardbreds 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, he was a strong believer in agriculture, believing that agriculture was the cornerstone of a vital society.
He is survived by his wife, Donna; daughter, Kim (Brett) Hurst; son, Kevin (Kathy); grandsons, Grant (Megan), Dane Hurst, and Elijah; and a sister, Kolene (Ed) Copas. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother, Don; and sister, Janene Marcussen.
Memorial contributions may be made to the Iowa Harness Scholarship Fund (IHHA) at Iowa Harness Racing Association, c/o Steve Shelangoski, 413 3rd St. SW, Swisher, IA 52338.