Bernard J. Hinderman

LANCASTER – Bernard J. Hinderman, age 76, passed away on March 24, 2024.  While his death brings his family great sorrow, his steadfast assurance of knowing where he was going afterwards reminds us all that this world is not our home.

Bernie was born on January 26, 1948, in Hazel Green to Raymond and Irma (Weber) Hinderman.  He grew up in rural Livingston and graduated from Iowa-Grant High School in 1966.  Bernie married Linda Klaas in 1974.  They had four children together before going their separate ways.  Bernie met Paulette Friederick in 1997.  They moved to Lancaster where they enjoyed sharing their lives together.

Bernie enjoyed playing horseshoes, gardening, and his mornings spent at Zippy’s.  On the outside, he could come across a little rough and politically incorrect; however, those who had the privilege to know Bernie well knew that his heart was soft and his passions deep.  His greatest passion was his family.  Often you would find a tear in his eye as he shared their achievements with others.  He was also known to connect with and love all animals.  He even had a few pet squirrels over the years!

He was most admired for his strong principles and his resolute convictions.  He truly was a man of his word and walked his talk with an unwavering strength of character.

Bernie was a simple man in the world’s eye, but he knew without a doubt that his treasures were stored in Heaven.  His family can attest that Bernie knew the Bible better than most.  His worldly possessions might be considered small, yet Bernie considered himself among the wealthiest of men.  He was content with what life offered and felt he had the world in his hand.

Bernie will be dearly missed by his wife, Paulette; his children, Katrina Rickard, her children, Rachel, Katie, and Grant Rickard, and her step-children, Jenni Allen, Dustin Rickard, Derek Rickard, and Stephani Staskal; Helen Chapman and her children Regina and Linkin Miess, and Andrew (Cassy) Hinderman and their children Gavin, Brock, Ellie, and Anna Hinderman; his step-children, Dale Hackett, Scott Hackett, Paula Bender, Lonnie Friederick, and Sheri Bell, 17 step-grandchildren, and 5 step great-grandchildren.  He is also survived by his siblings, Shirley (John) Middendorf, John (Nola) Hinderman, Maryann (Ron) VanNatta and Irma Wubben as well as several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond and Irma, his son, Raymond Hinderman, his son-in-law, Donald Rickard, his brother, Richard Hinderman, and his in-laws, Orlin and Eldeen Klaas.