Bernard Kubicek

Bernard (Bernie) Alan Kubicek, age 87, passed away in his home, surrounded by family and friends at The Waters, in Rochester MN on Nov. 3rd, 2023. He was born to Viola and Bernard Kubicek in Austin MN, on July 20,1936. He spent his early life in Blooming Prairie MN, where he enjoyed being a "Blossom", playing football, basketball, baseball, and working on the Kramer Family Farms. He loved his two younger sisters very much, Barb (Eldie) Peterson, and Susie Olson. He joined the Army in 1955 and trained in OK, AR, and NM at the White Sands Missile Range. Bernie married Dianne on September 28, 1957. He later graduated from the Austin Area Vocational School as a machinist. They were married for 46 years and during that time welcomed a son, Brian (Randa) Kubicek, and daughter Tyra (Larry) Witt.  Bernie was hired by IBM in 1961, where he spent the following 30 years working with some of his best friends in the machine shop. At this time, he enjoyed motorcycling, hunting, fishing, snowmobiling, NASCAR, and horseback riding. He was a proud grandfather of his two granddaughters Karly and Haley Kubicek. After retirement he and Dianne purchased a small hobby farm where they kept 4 horses, multiple cats, and Mumphey the Wonder Dog. Bernie enjoyed the neighbors, along with the Pine Island Area. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Dianne, on July 16,2003.

He found his second love of his life, Karen, where they formed a marriage of 19 years. In this bond he acquired a new family consisting of Ric Olson, and Debbie (Curt) Atkinson, and Vickie (Larry) Lohman. Bernie enjoyed his 9 stepgrandchildren,15 great stepchildren, as well as their parents. He belonged to the St. Pius X Catholic church, the IBM Quarter Century Club, RACE Corvette Club, and the Hiawatha Antique Auto Club. Bernie and Karen acquired a second home in Las Palmas, AZ and enjoyed "snow birding" for 12 years. Visiting Tortilla Flats was one of their favorite hangouts. Bernie owned 2 different Corvettes, and loved to drive them in parades along with organized rides. In 2016 they joined The Waters family, where they made new friends, attending social gatherings, and truly "Blossomed" under the care and nurturing of all the staff there, Bernie was well known for a big smile and lots of gratitude to those who assisted him during this time.

The family wants to extend their sincere appreciation for the amazing care and service of The Waters, along with St. Croix Hospice Service, during his time of need. We would also like to thank Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home for their compassionate assistance.

Funeral Service will be held at 10AM on Wednesday, November 08, 2023 at Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Homes (5421 Royal Pl. NW Rochester, MN. 55902). Visitation will begin one hour prior to the service. Burial will take place at 2:00 pm, at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery (715 Highway 52, Preston, MN 55965).

Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Kubicek family; to share a special memory or condolence please visit www.ranfranzandvine.com.