Anthony Tony Berns

Anthony "Tony" Berns, age 80, of Guttenberg, IA, died Saturday, May 30, 2009, at the Guttenberg Care Center. He was born the son of Anton and Elizabeth (Wolters) Berns on May 19, 1929 on the home farm near Garnavillo. After graduating from high school, Tony attended trade school in the mechanical repair field. He then spent 4 years in the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War as a mechanic until he was honorably discharged. Tony was united in marriage with Dixie (Coffman) Zehr and together they had 3 children. He owned and operated the Texaco station in Garnavillo and also ran two different stations in Guttenberg. Tony and Dixie were later divorced. On February 27, 1964, Tony was united in marriage with Mary Burr in Galena Illinois. Two children were born to this union. Tony had a lifelong passion for flying planes. From teaching to just giving rides, Tony truly loved flying. He even accomplished over 1700 take offs and landing on his own private landing strip. Tony also had a love for forestry work. He was an environmentalist before it was hip. Over the course of several years, Tony planted thousands of trees. When he wasnt flying or planting trees, Tony enjoyed to fish. Tonys memory will be forever cherished by his wife of 45 years, Mary Berns of Holy Cross; three daughters, Annette (Bill) Bross of Houston, Texas, Patricia (Tom) Kriz of Iowa City, Amy (Dan) Brandstetter of Le Claire, IA; two sons, Daniel (Merry) Berns of Des Moines, IA and Richard (Rashelle) Berns of Phoenix, Ariz.; eleven grandchildren; one sister, Rita Kleis of Sun City, Ariz.; two brothers, Leon (Phyllis) Berns of Garnavillo and Francis (Eleanor) Berns of Denver, Colo.; first wife Dixie (Coffman) Zehr and many nieces, nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents; 4 sisters, Gertrude, Lucille, Catherine and Rosemary.In Lieu of flowers, plants, benches, statuary and all other gifts, memorials may be directed to the family of Tony Berns as they intend to plant several trees in Tonys honor.Visitation: Tuesday 3:00 - 7:00 P.M. June 02, 2009 at the Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home Guttenberg, IowaFuneral Service: Tuesday 7:00 P.M. June 02, 2009 at the Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home Guttenberg, Iowa Service Information A service summary is not available