Bernardino (Bernie) Ramon Vega, 37, of Lawrence, peacefully passed on December 14th. A visitation will take place from 6:00-8:00 on Thursday, December 19th, at Rumsey-Yost Funeral Home, 601 Indiana St. in Lawrence. Funeral services will be held on Friday, December 20th at 2 p.m. at St. John’s the Evangelist Church, 1234 Kentucky St. in Lawrence.
Bernie was born on May 22, 1987, to Arturo Vega and Maria Sofia Gonzalez in Emporia, Kansas and grew up in Lawrence. He graduated from Free State High School and went on to pursue his passion as a journeyman lineman.
He was a proud Union member of IBEW Local 304 and IBEW Local 53 for 15 years.
Bernie was easy-going, jovial, and loved the camaraderie of family and friends. Whether enjoying a glass of fine whiskey, on the green playing golf, at the pool table, avid fan of the Chiefs and Jayhawks or involved with D&D, Bernie lived life with passion and a zest for good times surrounded by friends and family.
Bernie’s spirit will live on through his loving wife, Mariana, and stepdaughter, Bianca Nieto. He is survived by his parents, Arturo Vega and Maria Sofia Gonzalez; his siblings: Arturo Vega Jr. and wife, Danielle Demby; Diana Vega and husband, Hai Tran; Yvonne Vega and wife, Krista Vega. Bernie will be deeply missed by his nephews: Preston, Tristan, Caleb, Isaiah, Arturo, David and niece: Camila.
He was preceded in death by his uncles, José Gilberto and Ricardo Rafael González, and aunts: Josefina Palacios, Evelia Trujillo, and María Elena Vega.
Bernie’s life was a testament of his love of life. His absence leaves a hole that can never be filled, but his memory will continue to comfort those who knew him. Fly high as you soar through the stars!
A Celebration of Life will be held on May 17, 2025, celebrating his birthday where memories will be shared, and drinks will be poured in his honor. More information to come.
