With joy, love, and gratitude, we celebrate the remarkable life of Bernard Frank Shimanek, who passed away peacefully on Friday, May 8, 2026, at the age of 93.
Bernard โBernieโ Shimanek was born March 28, 1933, in Hennessey, Oklahoma, to Bohomill and Fannie Shimanek. Bernie lived a life defined not only by hard work and accomplishment, but by his unforgettable smile, quick humor, playful spirit, and hearty laughter that family and friends will cherish forever.
He never missed an opportunity to tell a good story, especially one that seemed to get a little better with each retelling.
After graduating from Hennessey High School in 1951, Bernie joined the United States Air Force in October 1952 and proudly served his country until October 1956.
Following his military service, Bernie continued serving his community and later retired as Garfield County Commissioner for District One. He also loved farming and took great pride in a good wheat harvest. If something broke, Bernie could usually fix it with baling wire and duct tape.
Whether offering advice, teasing those he loved most, or finding humor in everyday moments, Bernie had a special way of making everyone feel at home.
Above all, Bernie loved his family. He taught them how to plow fields, harvest wheat, work hard, ride a bike, and drive a car. The lessons he planted will outlast any crop he ever grew.
Though he has gone from the fields, his family takes comfort knowing Heaven probably needed someone to straighten out the tractors, organize the weather, and explain to Saint Peter the proper way to grow wheat.
Bernie was preceded in death by his parents; three sisters; three brothers; and his wife of 36 years, Linda Gail Shimanek.
He is survived by two brothers, Jim Shimanek and Danny Shimanek; eight children, Renee Settlemires and husband David, Mike Shimanek and wife Judith, Craig Shimanek and wife Melissa, Curtis Shimanek and wife Kelli, Lance Brzowski and wife Glynda, Shelly Mangion, John Brzowski and wife Roxanna, and Chris Brzowski and wife Juli; 20 grandchildren; 11 great-grandchildren; and numerous cousins, nieces, and nephews.
He will be deeply missed and fondly remembered as a devoted father, brother, uncle, grandfather, great-grandfather, and friend who never passed up a good John Wayne movie.
A Rosary Service for Bernard Frank Shimanek will be held Thursday, May 14, 2026, at 6:00 p.m. Funeral services will be Friday, May 15, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., both at St. Rose of Lima Catholic Church, 421 N. 9th Street, Perry, Oklahoma 73077. Burial will follow at McGuire Cemetery in Lucien, Oklahoma.
