David J. Berning

David Joseph Berning, aged 81, of Freeport, IL, passed away on Saturday, July 6, 2024, surrounded by his family. David was born on June 16, 1943, in Hazel Green, Wisconsin to Edward and Mary Ellen (Heitkamp) Berning. He married Marie Pfohl on June 27, 1964, in Menominee, Illinois. David retired after 40 years of service as a maintenance foreman at Kelly Springfield.

"Hey Dave!” was a whiz at crossword puzzles. Known for his creativity and ingenuity, he pursued a range of tinkering hobbies such as working on cars, toy trains, and crafting keepsakes for his family in his woodworking shop. He enjoyed guns, leisurely scooter rides to visit neighbors, relaxing with a PBR at the Royal Pub, fishing, cheering for the Chicago Cubs, visits from his family, gardening, and flowers, as well as annual traditions like the county fair and the Pec Thing. Dave also had a sweet tooth for ice cream and a passion for collecting various treasures.

David is survived by his wife of 60 years, Marie, his seven children: Greggory (Brenda) Berning, Laura (Kelly) Mack, Mark (Andrea) Berning, Marsha Berning, Eric (Jill) Berning, Matthew (Jen) Berning, and Amy Harrick. He is also survived by his grandchildren: Geoffrey, Vanessa, Samantha, Jacob, Grace, Maia, Ava, Lucas, Christopher, Thomas, Dominic, Bryson, Mason, Ryan, Hannah, and Holland; and twelve great-grandchildren.

Also surviving are his and Marie’s siblings: Charles (Phyllis) Berning, Marty (Sheri) Berning, Carol Weber, Joanne Tobin, Mary (Phil) Austin, Doris Berning, Eugene (Janice) Pfohl, Alan (Heather) Pfohl, Ruth (Thomas) Kemp, Elaine Schulting, Linda Furlong, Janie (Austin) Landsaw, and Wanda (Rick) Mueller.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Ed and Mary Ellen Berning, father and mother-in-law Leon and June Pfohl, his brother Daniel Berning, brothers-in-law Leonard Pfohl, Maury Tobin, Jim Weber, Delbert Schulting, and Roger Furlong, and son-in-law James Harrick.

David was a member of St. Thomas Aquinas Church.

Memorial Services will be held on Saturday, July 13, 2024, at Nativity BVM Catholic Church in Menominee, Illinois at 10:30 a.m. A celebration of life will be held at the Royal Pub in Freeport, Illinois on Sunday, July 14, 2024, from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Cremation rites have been accorded. A memorial has been established in David’s memory.