Bernard L. Berigan

Bernard Lee Berigan, Age 92, died peacefully on March 4, 2023, surrounded by his family. He was preceded in death by his wife, Mary Kay, as well as his parents and three siblings.

Bernie was a son, brother, friend, husband, father, teacher, coach, salesmen, boss - all roles he juggled selflessly with the same integrity and strong work ethic he possessed and inspired in those around him. His faith, family, and friends were his focus and joy. Bernie loved a good game of cribbage and enjoyed playing golf & bridge with friends. He was also passionate about watching sports and westerns on tv. He could tell a good story and was famous for his roaring fires over the winter months. Bernie will be especially missed by his children and grandchildren. Rest in peace, "Partner".

Born on October 29, 1930, Bernie was the 3rd of four children. He grew up on a ranch on the outskirts of Omaha, NE, where he first learned how to work hard and became a lifelong cowboy at heart.

Bernie was a three-sport standout at Creighton Prep High School and was inducted into their Athletic Hall of Fame in 2009. He was awarded a full scholarship to Marquette University to play football in 1948, where he also earned a Bachelor of Science degree in 1952. Bernie married the love of his life, Mary Kay Rinn, in 1951. After graduating, Bernie accepted a job in Hastings, NE, as head football coach & taught at the high school. In 1953, he joined the family business as part owner of Berigan Brother's Livestock Commission Company at the Omaha Stockyards in Omaha, NE. In addition to working and raising a family, Bernie enjoyed helping his longtime friend, Don Leahy, coach football at Creighton Prep High School, where their teams won several state titles. In 1964, Bernie helped organize and was one of the original owners of the Omaha Mustangs Professional Football Team, serving as head coach for the first four years before transitioning into president of the Mustang organization. He was an active coach and fan for all of his children, attending countless sporting events & activities over the years. He later enjoyed refereeing high school and small college football games. From 1968 - 1970, Bernie was plant manager for American Beef Packers in Oakland, IA. In 1970, Bernie moved his family to Sioux City, IA, where he worked for Iowa Beef Processors, developing protocols for plant operations, along with managing and monitoring sanitation programs for several locations. He took early retirement from IBP in 1985, and joined Lance White in developing DCS Sanitation Company in Cincinnati, OH. He remained with DCS until he retired in 2005.

Retiring in Okoboji, IA, Bernie and Mary Kay enjoyed a decade of living and golfing on Emerald Hills Golf Course, entertaining family and friends on numerous occasions. In 2015, they relocated back to Cincinnati, OH, where they both lived in a retirement community until their passing.

Bernie and Mary Kay raised twelve children, Steve Berigan (Anne) of Cincinnati, OH, Colleen Carlson (Mark, deceased) of Minneapolis, MN, Sheila Rothman of Edina, MN, Patty Bruntjen (Bill, deceased) of Edina, MN, Kevin Berigan (Karleanne) of Portland, OR, Mike Berigan of Grandview, MO, Dan Berigan (Susan) of Charlottesville, VA, Brendan Berigan (Leslie) of Urbandale, IA, John Berigan (Leslie) of Caledonia, MI, Jean Berigan of Minneapolis, MN, Peggy Moran (Steve) of Raymore, MO, and Katie Berigan of Mendota Heights, MN. Bernie and Mary Kay's legacy lives on with 27 grandchildren and 18 great grandchildren to date.

Visitation will be Saturday March 25, 2023 from 9:00 - 10:00am at Gilligan Funeral Home, 8225 Montgomery Road, Cincinnati, OH. The funeral mass will be at 10:30 am at All Saints Church, 8939 Montgomery Rd., Cincinnati, OH, with burial immediately following at Gate of Heaven Cemetery. All friends and family are invited to join the Berigan family for a celebration of life luncheon after 12:30 pm at Stone Creek Restaurant, 9856 Montgomery Rd., Montgomery, OH.

In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to: The Creighton Prep General Fund or Hospice of Cincinnati, Blue Ash Care Facility. 

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