Omaha, NE - Most people who die from swine flu have underlying medical conditions. But not John Bernardi.

"This is a true rude awakening because John didn't have that," says Kim Madrigal, cousin-in-law.

John went from healthy to sick in a matter of hours. Two days later he went to the hospital. On Saturday morning he died from H1N1.

"It's shocking to know that something happened to somebody you know and love like this. It happened so fast," says Tina Olson, friend.

His partner says John only had high blood pressure. With no chronic condition, what the flu triggered remains a mystery.

"There are clearly case where apparently no health problems at all and a healthy young man or young woman gets very sick," says Dr. Bruce Buehler.

As manager of the Washington Library in north Omaha, John will be missed by an entire community. He helped people find jobs and got children excited about reading.

"He loved life. He wanted to live. It just wasn't his option," says Olson.

John Bernardi's funeral will be tomorrow afternoon.  In his memory, the Washington Library will be closed.