Obituary for Berno Ebbesson

Dr. Berno S. E. Ebbesson

September 8, 1941 – August 20, 2023

Dr. Berno S. E. Ebbesson, resident of Ponca City, died at his home on Sunday, August 20, 2023. He was 81.

Dr. Berno was born September 8, 1941 in Bäckaby, Sweden to Ebbe and Ruth (Augustson) Ebbesson. He attended Luther Christian Day School in Winfield, KS, Stephens Elementary in Winfield, KS, and was a 1959 graduate of Winfield High School. He then attended Southwestern College of Winfield, KS and then K.U. Medical School in Kansas City, KS. He then completed his surgery residence at K.U. Wichita, KS.

He is survived by his wife Janet Ebbesson of the home; daughters Carole Keffer and husband Kyle, of Ponca City, OK, Kindra Whitfill and husband Charles of Wichita, KS, Lara Vannest and husband Chad of Apollo Beach, FL, and Emilie Ashton and husband Andrew of New Paltz, NY; brothers Sven Ebbesson and wife Barbara of Fairbanks, AK, Oliver of Concordia, KS, and Bernt Ebbesson and wife Sarah of Shreveport, LA; sister Ulla Britt Lack and husband Gaylin of Springfield, IL; grandchildren Hannah Sutter and husband Blair, Brendon Keffer, Jacob Keffer and wife Alycia, Landen Keffer, Madelyn Winter and husband Nick, Jessica Johnson and husband Luke, Christian Whitfill, Anders Whitfill, Caleb Vannest, Taylor Vannest, Samuel Ashton, Jasper Ashton, and Willa Ashton; and great grandchildren Mason, Hal, and Will.

Berno is preceded in death by his parents Ebbe and Ruth Ebbesson; sister Lillian; sister-in-law Sue Ebbesson; mother-in-law and father-in-law Walter and Ruth Lange; brother-in-law John Roleson; brother-in-law Walter Lange, Jr.; and both sets of grandparents in Sweden.

Dr. Berno grew up knowing he wanted to help people. He was always a hard worker, supporting himself and his young family through all of his schooling through numerous jobs, including employment at the Crayola Factory, department stores, a bowing alley, and a movie theater, among many others. Even as a young boy in Sweden, he had a paper route. Through his many years as a physician and surgeon in Ponca City, Dr. Berno was able to help many in the community, from neighbors, friends, family, to his innumerable patients.

Outside of his profession, Berno loved traveling with his family and often friends as well. His outgoing, engaging personality led to many friendships throughout the world that he and Janet had maintained over many decades. Their travels included frequent adventures with their children’s families including 13 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren. He loved to surprise his family with vacations, and when asked, “Where are we going?”, he’d answer with either “Hong Kong!” or “Newkirk!”

Berno and Janet were married March 29, 1964 and June 22, 1983. Theirs was a love story for the ages. Berno was a grand storyteller and a humble Christian, who valued everyone he met. He will be greatly missed and remembered as a man who loved to help, had a wonderful sense of humor, and loved his family.

A viewing will be held on Friday, August 25, 2023, from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM, with family present from 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM, at Trout Funeral Home & Crematory, 505 W. Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601. His funeral service will be Saturday, August 26, 2023 at 10:00 AM, at the First Lutheran Church, 1101 N 4th St., Ponca City, OK 74601. Burial will follow at Highland Cemetery in Winfield, KS. Arrangements are under the direction of Trout Funeral Home & Crematory of Ponca City, 505 W. Grand Ave, Ponca City, OK 74601.

In his honor, a donation may be made to Humanity Hospice, 400 E. Central, Suite 303, Ponca City, OK 74601, the First Lutheran School Scholarship Fund, 1104 N 4th St, Ponca City, OK 74601, or Community Health Foundation, PO Box 828, Ponca City, OK 74602.

Source: Trout Funeral Home