Mike "Bertha" Moreno Jr.

Mike Moreno Jr., more commonly known as “Bertha”, went to be with his Heavenly Father on Monday, May 20, 2024. A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m., Tuesday, May 28, 2024, at First Assembly of God Church in Scottsbluff, Nebraska with Pastor Leroy Wyre officiating. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Park Cemetery near Scottsbluff. The United States Marine Corps and Gering American Legion Post 36 Funeral Honor Guard will provide military honors. Visitation will be held from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m., Monday, May 27, 2024, at the church. The service will be live-streamed and recorded to Mike’s obituary page viewable at www.reverencefuneralparlor.com.

Miguel Joseph Moreno Jr. was born July 1, 1952, in Scottsbluff to Mike Moreno Sr. and Phyllis (Martinez) Moreno. He was the second oldest of seven kids. Mike attended McKinley Elementary and completed his education at Gering High School, where he participated for many years in basketball, football, wrestling and golden glove boxing. He then joined the United States Marine Corps and was honorably discharged in 1975. He attended WNCC, graduating with an AA in Business. 

Mike attended the Nebraska Law Enforcement Training Center after the Marines and was promoted to Scotts Bluff County Deputy Sheriff. Mike was a firearms instructor, and taught CPR and first responder courses for the Red Cross. Later in his career, he was the Director for Corrections at the Scotts Bluff County Detention Center. Mike worked for Scotts Bluff County for a total of 35 years.

He had many jobs over the years including working in the beet fields as a young boy, a club bouncer, lugging beef at Packer Land, school bus driver, City of Morrill Police Officer, US postal worker, apartment manager, harvest truck driver and softball umpire. It wasn’t that he couldn't hold a job, but rather he loved to work, try new things, and always juggled two or three jobs, while a deputy sheriff.  His last and favorite job was being promoted to grandpa.

Mike married the love of his life, Vicky Wagner, on June 24, 1978. They spent many years traveling before being blessed with two daughters, Megan and Jennifer.  Mike and his family enjoyed several family vacations to visit family in Mexico and traveled to various places around the US and Canda.

Mike loved to be involved in the community. While president of Kiwanis Club, he and his family helped with the very first Thanksgiving in the Valley. They played bingo at nursing homes and assisted jail inmates wrapping Christmas presents for kids. Mike also led the youth group at his church, First Assembly, for many years. 

Mike had the biggest heart, loved to joke, and was always in good spirits. When adversity was strong, Mike became stronger through his faith. 

Mike is survived by his wife, Vicky; daughters, Megan Moreno-Billie and Jennifer Moreno; honorary daughters, Libra Phillips and Charissa (Travis) Gould; grandchildren, Frank Billie Jr., Sabrina (Quenton) Foegelle, Brianna (David)  Phaiah, Damion Billie, Jaylyn Moreno, Adryk Billie, and Sayyora Billie; brothers and sisters, Rosemary (Joe) Smuckler of Parker, CO, Maria Elena (Jose) Acosta of Greeley, CO, Louis (Kay) Moreno of Grand Island, CO, Sam (Lori) Moreno of Gering, and Lydia (Jim) Benitez of Scottsbluff; many uncles, aunts, cousins, nieces and nephews who ALL loved their Uncle Bertha.

He was preceded in death by his twin sons, Kevin and Keith Moreno; parents, Mike and Phyllis; sisters, Phyllis Velasquez and Mickey Valdez; and many beloved uncles, aunts, cousins and friends. 

This world has lost a wonderful, kindhearted loving man, but most importantly, Heaven has gained an angel, and we look forward to seeing you there.