ALVIN JOSEPH BERNING, age 95, of Adrian, died Wednesday, August 28, 2024, at the Sunset Hospice Cottage in Worthington. He was born September 12, 1928, at the farm in Lismore Township, to Henry and Louise (Farwick) Berning. He attended country school before attending St. Anthony Catholic School in Lismore.

Al married Gertrude Boltjes on July 13, 1948, at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church south of Rushmore. After their marriage, the couple lived in a small house on the same farm as his parents. In 1949, they moved to Adrian where Al worked for Galles Hatchery. From 1950 to 1959, he worked at J.C. Becker Lumber in Adrian. He had to stop working there due to a serious back injury causing him to have his first major back surgery. In 1960, Al started working for Standard Chemical Feed Co.  He drove school bus for twenty-seven years and was sad to quit due to his back problems. He enjoyed all the school children he bussed to Adrian Public School. After retirement, he worked for Dick Lynch at Lynch Funeral Home until his back problems again made him have to quit. Al also helped Wes Henricksen at Adrian Hardware. He later helped at Carl's Farm Store and Adrian Farm & Garden. He had many surgeries but he never stopped finding work.

He was a member of St. Adrian Catholic Church, the Knights of Columbus, and the Adrian Lions Club. Alvin loved spending time with his family which has blessed us with so many memories. He enjoyed camping, snowmobiling, fishing, playing Bingo and pinochle, Monday noon meals at Pizza Ranch, and going to the casino with his brother, Ed.

Al is survived by four children, Linda (Jerry) Heitkamp, Luverne; Steve (Becky) Berning, Sioux Falls, SD; Randy (Karen) Berning, Adrian; and Brad (Jodi) Berning, Alexandria; son-in-law, Gary Abels, Brewster; nine grandchildren, Bruce (Judy) Heitkamp, Scott (friend, Lisa) Heitkamp, Jodi (Chad) Olson, Jeff (Wendy) Berning, Justin (friend, Sandra) Berning, (Ryan Beyenhof-Angie's husband), Shawn (Amber) Berning, Carrie (friend, Kyle) Domeyer, Josh (friend, Sara) Schuck, and Derek (friend, Sophie) Berning; eighteen great-grandchildren; a brother, Jim Berning, Owatonna; sister-in-law Frances Erpelding, Adrian, brother-in-law John (Essie) Boltjes Jr, Worthington and many nieces & nephews.

He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Gertrude on Aug. 26, 2016; daughter, Laurie Abels Feb. 8, 2016; granddaughter, Angela Beyenhof Dec 20, 2023; infant twin grandchildren; two sisters, Marie Smeins and Lorraine Van Peursem; an infant brother, Raphael; two brothers, Ed and George Berning; two brothers-in-law, Ralph Van Peursem and Myron Smeins; and three sisters-in-law, Doris, Dolores and Rita Berning.

Visitation will be from 11 am to 1 pm, Wednesday, September 4 at St. Adrian Catholic Church, in Adrian. Funeral Mass will be 1 pm Wednesday at St. Adrian Catholic Church, in Adrian, officiated by Monsignor Richard Colletti and Fr. James Berning. Burial will be in the St. Adrian Cemetery.

Dingmann Funeral Home, in Adrian, is in charge of arrangements.