Bernard Joseph Berns

Bernard Joseph Berns, 78, of Bowling Green died Friday, June 1, 2018 at his home.

A memorial visitation will be held from 11:30 a.m.-5:30 p.m., Saturday, June 30 with a lunch being served at 12:30 p.m., at the VFW Post #5553 in Bowling Green with military rites being conducted by the VFW Post #5553 and Missouri Military Honors.

He was born in Harpers Ferry, Iowa on Feb. 15, 1940 to Cletus and Mildred Curan Berns.

He was a member of the U.S. Navy and was stationed on the east coast where he met his wife, Suzanne Cayton. They married  June 8, 1963. She preceded him in death Dec. 17, 2009.

Bernard and Suzanne lived in St. Louis where they raised their family. He owned and operated Customer’s Better Service from 1969-2000. He later moved to Salisbury, Mary., before returning to Missouri and settling in Bowling Green.

He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus, and a VFW member who assisted with the military honor details at funerals. He enjoyed farming, hunting, building things, and most of all helping people.

He was survived by his partner, Ethyl Skillman; two sons, James C. Berns and Kim Schwyhart of St. Louis, and Paul A. Berns and wife, Cheryl of Troy, and a daughter, Molly R. Berns and Lance Endicott of St. Louis; seven grandchildren, Jason, Melissa, James, Nick, Amber, Austin and Madeline; and three great-grandchildren, Emmalyn, Elliana, and Ensley; two brothers, Charles Berns and wife, Doris of Harpers Ferry, Iowa, and Tommy Berns and wife, Debbie Of La Crescent, Minn.; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, and friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Suzanne, parents, Cletus and Mildred, brother, Cletus, and children, Joseph, Jennifer, and Julie.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the VFW Post #5553 or Knights of Columbus #1928 St. Clement Council.