Bernice L. Berning

Bernice L. Berning, 93, of Fort Wayne, Indiana and a former longtime resident of Decatur, Indiana, passed away Monday morning, May 9, 2022, at Coventry Meadows in Fort Wayne.

She was born on August 13, 1928 in Ossian, Indiana to Charles E. and Lydia L. (Fackler) Stoppenhagen. Bernice was united in marriage to Ralph A. Berning on July 9, 1949 in Adams County, Indiana and he preceded her in death on November 9, 1993.

She was a member of Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim in Decatur.

She was a homemaker and had worked part-time at Gerbers Super Dollar No. 2 in Decatur.  Bernice and Ralph were previous owners of Zesto in Decatur.

Bernice was an avid sports fan and enjoyed watching her children and grandchildren play sports. She also loved to watch Purdue basketball and to play euchre.

She is survived by son, Leon (Tammy) Berning of Uniondale, Indiana; son, Bruce (Jackie) Berning of Castle Rock, Colorado; daughter, Brenda (Kim) Ness of Huntington, Indiana; son, Stuart (Robin) Berning of Lebanon, Ohio; daughter, Cindy (Mel) Kennedy of Fort Wayne, Indiana; 11 grandchildren; ten great-grandchildren; and seven great great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, Ralph, she was preceded in death by a sister, Irene Buuck; and three brothers, Harold, Marvin and Edwin Stoppenhagen.

A funeral service will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, May 14, 2022, at Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim with Pastor Daniel Dahling officiating.  Burial will follow at Decatur Cemetery.

Family and friends will be received from 2 to 8 p.m. Friday, May 13, 2022, at Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur and one hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to Zion Lutheran Church, Friedheim or Worship Anew.

Arrangements are by Zwick & Jahn Funeral Home in Decatur, Indiana.