Charles Cletus Berns, age 82 of Harpers Ferry, Iowa passed away on Friday, March 15, 2019 at Thornton Manor. He was born in Guttenburg, Iowa on November 23, 1936 to Cletus and Mildred (Curran) Berns. Charles attended grade school at the Climax County School in rural Taylor Township until 6th grade. He then attended Waterville school and graduated in 1955.
Charles was a member of the U.S. Navy and served four years from June 4, 1955 to June 4, 1959, during his time of service he was aboard the U.S. Hornet Aircraft carrier. Charles met his wife Doris Ann Mauss in 1959 and they were married November 15, 1960. Charles and Doris owned and operated the family farm near Harpers Ferry, where they raised their family.
Charles was a member of the Catholic Knights, VFW, and Allamakee Antique Auto Club. Charles enjoyed farming, hunting, and traveling. Charles also had a pilot’s license and enjoyed flying a single engine prop plane on many occasions. Charles was a very generous and lucky man; he was often the lucky winner of various local giveaways.
Charles is survived by his wife Doris Berns; his eleven children, Ann (Mike) Buchholz of Mondovi, Wisconsin, Margaret (Keith) Burrett of Waukon, Charles (Peggy) Berns of Waterville, Colleen (Myron) Wilburn of Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Bernadette Wiedmeyer of San Antonio, Texas, Gail (Paul) Whalen of New Albin, Kathy (Dave) Moritz of Lansing, Becky (Jeff) Rideout of Oconomowoc, Wisconsin, Millie (Corey) Richards of Lansing, Peter (Rhonda) Berns of Lansing, Mark (Kristin) Berns of Rossville; twenty-eight grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; one brother, Tommy (Deb) Berns of La Crescent, Minnesota; three sisters-in-law, Mary Benson of New Albin, Patty Wellendorf of Lansing, Rita Sanchez of La Crosse, Wisconsin; two brothers-in-law, Larry (Deb) Mauss of La Crosse, Wisconsin, Dale (Lori) Mauss of New Albin and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.
Charles was preceded in death by his parents, Cletus and Mildred; grandchildren, Matthew and Layne; two brothers, Bernard and Cletus; one sister-in-law, Suzie and three brothers-in-law, David Mauss, Jim Benson, Jim Wellendorf and Jim Sanchez.
Memorial donations in Charles’s honor may be made to Harpers Ferry Ladies Auxiliary, Harpers Ferry American Legion of for Mass Services at Holy Family of Bluffs.
Visitation will be Friday, March 29, 2019 from 4-8 pm with a 3:30 pm Scripture Service at Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Lansing, Iowa and one hour before mass at the church on Saturday.
Mass of Christian Burial will be at 11:00 am on Saturday, March 30, 2019 at St. Ann – St. Joseph Catholic Church, Harpers Ferry, Iowa with Rev. Moser as the Celebrant.
Burial with Military Honors will follow at St. Joseph Paint Rock Cemetery, Harpers Ferry, Iowa.
Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Lansing, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.