Leo Joseph Berning, Jr

Leo Berning, Jr., age 86, long time Alexandria, MN resident and lately of Colorado Springs, CO, went to be with the Lord on April 26th, 2016 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was preceded in death by his wife of 44 years, Kathleen (Mickey) Berning, his partner of 13 years, Geneva Dibble and his parents, Leo and Peryl Berning of Adrian, MN. He leaves behind, to cherish his memory, daughters Leeann (Joe) Persinger, Bonnie (Stephen) Burak and Betsey (Scott) Peterson as well as grandchildren Robert and Michael Persinger; Gabe, Micah and Nathan Burak; Ellie (Dave) Butler, Zach, Courtney and Hannah Peterson, sisters Mary Ann Slagle and Betty Serie, brothers-in-law Dave (Jean) Hendel and Marv Lonneman, along with many nieces and nephews. Also very important to dad were his dear friends Alice and Charlie Giefer and Chad and Lou Tower. Dad served his country with honor as a sailor during the Korean War. Upon his return, he met and married our mom, Mickey Hendel and they settled in Burnsville, MN for many years. He worked as a supervisor in the maintenance department for North Central Airlines, later becoming Northwest, which he retired from in 1986. He and mom fulfilled their life long dream when they built their home on Lake Le Homme Dieu in 1986. They created many happy memories for all of us with fishing and swimming in the summers and skating on the lake in the winters. After our mom passed away in 1998, dad was blessed to reconnect with his high school friend Geneva, who we all in the family adopted as our second mom. Together they continued hosting many fun filled family gatherings at the lake, till Geneva went to be with the Lord in February 2012. Dad was an avid hunter, fisherman and golfer but was happiest out on the dance floor waltzing with a loved one. Graveside service will be on May 6, 2016 at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery, 7601 34th Ave., S., Minneapolis, MN at 11:45am. Please arrive by 11:30am and go to Assembly Area 3 Gate 2. Also, please join us for lunch afterwards at the VFW Babcock Post 5555, 6715 Lake Shore Dr., Richfield, MN to visit and share stories of Leo. In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation to your favorite charity.

Leo Joseph Berning, Jr

October 27, 1929 - April 26, 2016