Phyllis Ann (Junk) Berns

Phyllis Ann (Junk) Berns

Garnavillo

Phyllis Ann (Junk) Berns, 94, longtime resident of Garnavillo, passed away peacefully surrounded by family, Saturday, November 2, 2024, at the Guttenberg Care Center in Guttenberg, Iowa.

Visitation will be held from 4 - 7 pm on Friday, November 8, 2024, at Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo.

Visitation will continue from 9 – 10 am on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Garnavillo.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 am on Saturday, November 9, 2024, at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Garnavillo, with burial in the church cemetery.

Born on February 16, 1930, to Gregor and Marie (Fassbinder) Junk in Guttenberg, Iowa, Phyllis was the 4th of 6 children.

After graduating from St. Mary’s High School, Guttenberg, Phyllis went to work as a stenographer at a Guttenberg farm implement company, where she met her sweetheart, Leon Berns. They married September 15, 1949, at St. Mary’s Catholic Church in Guttenberg.

Phyllis was the mother of nine children, a role she cherished above all else. She found fulfillment in the quiet, everyday tasks of life, whether it was stitching a quilt, preserving food from her garden, or sharing her talent for music through her clear, soprano voice. Phyllis was a wonderful seamstress, quilter and homemaker who took joy in caring for her family and welcoming others into her home.

Phyllis lived a life grounded in faith, family and simple joys. Her home was always open to family and friends, offering warmth and kindness to all who entered. Her deep faith was central to her life. She was a CCD teacher, served as Rosary Society president, and was a faithful Eucharistic minister and choir member at St. Joseph’s Parish, all for many years.

In her latter years, Phyllis found joy in traveling with her husband, Leon, often reminiscing about the many places they visited. She took pleasure in restoring furniture, working patiently to bring new life to each piece. She loved good music, especially classical pieces. She enjoyed watching old movies and musicals and her great sense of humor was evident in her love of comedy shows. Phyllis also loved to dance, and she and Leon were members of a square dance group. She was known for her talent as a cake decorator. Phyllis had a special connection with nature, particularly with hummingbirds, which seemed to be drawn to her presence.

Phyllis is survived by seven of her children: Julie (Jon) Jordahl, Beth (Stephen) Young, Charles (Heidi) Berns, Barbara (Joe Leone) Berns, Rita (Chet) Koth, Tom (June) Berns and Nancy (Scott) Neely; as well as son-in-law, Michael Thornton; 21 grandchildren; 17 great-grandchildren plus one on the way. She was preceded in death by her husband, Leon, in 2021; two of her children: DeAnne Thornton in 2021 and John Berns in 2024.

Though Phyllis lived a modest life, she touched many with her gentle spirit, her faith and her willingness to lend a hand. Her family will always remember the love she gave, and the many simple beautiful moments shared with her.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to St. Croix Hospice or St. Joseph Catholic Church.

Morris Funeral Home in Garnavillo is assisting the family and information is available at www.morrisfuneralhomes.com. Memorials may be sent to Morris Funeral Home (in care of the deceased) 207 South 1st St., Guttenberg, IA 52052.