Mae Berns

Mae F. Berns, 96 of Garnavillo, Iowa died June 15, 2012 at the Guttenberg Municipal Hospital surrounded by family following a massive stroke. She was born on May 30, 1916, second youngest of eleven children to Francis and Daisy (Carpenter) Farmer in rural Strawberry Point (Cox Creek), Iowa. There she was raised, educated and worked. On January 28, 1936, she married Raymond Berns, son of Frank and Anna (Siebertz) Berns at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Cox Creek. They made their home on the Berns Family farm east of Garnavillo where they farmed together and raised six children. In 1967, they moved to Garnavillo, while continuing the daily farming operation. At the age of 91 Mae moved into the Tower Living Center, Garnavillo. Mae spent her life working with and caring for her family, especially her husband when his health failed. She had a love for antiques, cooking, gardening, card playing and especially spending time with her family. She was a woman of quiet strength and deep faith. Those left to cherish her memory are her children: Donald (Carolyn) Berns, St. Olaf, Marilyn (James) Kann, Garnavillo, Jane (David) Siegel, Cedar Rapids, Jeanette (Pat) Thein, Colesburg and son-in-law James (Melissa) Schmitz, Montfort WI; 18 grandchildren: Lee Berns, DeeAnn (Jack) Hense, Rod (Shari) Berns, Bart (Lisa) Berns, Michael (Karen) Schmitz, Pat (Julie) Schmitz, Mark (Danelle) Schmitz, John (Julie) Schmitz, Adam (Casey) Kann, Matthew (Sarah) Kann, David Kann, Sarah (Brad) Flowers, Steven Siegel (friend Tia Wheeler), Beth Siegel (friend Aaron Quinby), Patrick (Lisa) Thein, Daniel Thein, Lucas Thein, Rebecca Thein, and 20 great grandchildren plus two on the way; one sister, Kathryn OBrien; many nieces, nephews and friends. She was preceded in death by her husband Ray, on April 23, 1988; her son Norman Berns on August 5, 1996; her daughter Mary Schmitz on April 4, 1997; daughter-in-law, Betty Berns on May 23, 2011; her parents; 4 brothers, Dewey, Bryan, Edward, Francis; 5 sisters, Mamie Miles, Maggie Kellogg, Daisy Kellogg, Nellie Olinger and Clara Farmer.In lieu of flowers, memorials may be given to the Garnavillo First Responders, Garnavillo Fire Dept, Guttenberg Hospital, Prairie du Chien Hospice, or a charity of your choice.Visitation: Monday 4:00 - 8:00 P.M. June 18, 2012 at the Tuecke-Allyn Funeral Home Garnavillo, Iowa and one hour before service at church.Funeral Service: Tuesday 10:00 A.M. June 19, 2012 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church Garnavillo, IowaInterment: St. Joseph's Catholic Cemetery, Garnavillo, Iowa Service Information A service summary is not available