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Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52401
Obituaries
The Gazette publishes obituaries on a daily basis. Use the search field above to search for obituaries by name or keyword. Readers can submit an obituary or submit a milestone to The Gazette. The obituary must be submitted before 1 p.m. for publication online and in the newspaper the next day, with the exception of obituaries for Sunday publication, which must be submitted by 1 p.m. on Fridays.
W.C. "Willie/Bill" Berns
W.C. "Willie/Bill" Berns
Marion
W.C. “Willie/Bill” Berns, 94, of Marion, passed away on Thursday, June 2, 2022, at Summit Pointe Senior Living Center in Marion. A visitation will be held from 5 to 6:30 p.m. June 13, with a rosary to follow at Cedar Memorial Park Funeral Home. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 a.m. Tuesday at St. Joseph’s Catholic Church in Marion, with a visitation beginning at 9:30 a.m. Father David O’Connor officiating. Inurnment will follow at Cedar Memorial Park Cemetery with military honors. The Funeral Mass will be streamed at youtu.be/IRQo_UBMe3o.
Bill was born on Feb. 7, 1928, in Guttenberg, Iowa, the son of Carl and Margaret (Burr) Berns. He was united in marriage to Norma Kelley on Sept. 1, 1954. They were lovingly married for 65 years. Bill proudly served in the U.S. Army during the Korean conflict, where he obtained the rank of Corporal and was awarded the Bronze Star for his bravery. He was employed at FMC for 28 years where he was an accomplished welder and a proud UAW Union member. After the plant closing, Norma and Willie owned and operated “The Nibble Nook” bait shop and restaurant near Lake McBride. He retired from United Fire and Casualty, Cedar Rapids, in 1994.
Willie loved a good joke and a hearty laugh. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, card games with dear friends and cars, especially anything older than 1950. He had an amazing model car collection including some that he carved himself.
Left to cherish Willie’s memory are his daughter, Bobbie “Barb” (Doug) Van Hoeck of Cedar Rapids; 10 grandchildren; one great-grandchild; and his brother, Jim Berns of Marion. Willie was the type of man that people wanted to be around; he will be missed more than words can ever say.
Willie was preceded in death by his loving wife, Norma; parents; daughters, Tonie Blohm and Terrie Vance; son, Lyle Berns; and his siblings, Marie Monnahan, Verna Keppler, Leona Harris, Donald, Elmer and Dennis Berns.
Memorial donations may be directed to the family.
Online condolences and messages may be shared with the family at www.cedarmemorial.com under obituaries.
