Russel Berna

The world lost a wonderful man on July 12, 2014. Russel "Russ" Jon Berna, 71, passed away in Bloomington, Indiana with his wife and best friend Donna by his side. Russ was born on July 19, 1942 in Elgin, Illinois to Henry "Hap" Berna and Marion Liedberg. He spent his younger years stirring up harmless trouble in Burlington, Illinois before graduating from high school in 1960. His career, spanning 30 years, was at American Breeders Service, (ABS) in DeForest, WI. He started as a technician and ended his career as the International Sales Manager. He traveled the world, sharing his charm with those that were lucky enough to meet him. He was a remarkable businessman and mentor to many. Russ never knew a stranger and had a smile that lit up the world. Russ was charismatic, had a love for animals, especially dogs and horses and had a great sense of humor and wit. He enjoyed life especially spending time with Donna and friends riding the trails of southern IN on his beloved horse Suede. Russ is survived by his wife Donna Burkhardt of Nashville, IN; two daughters, Lori (Travis) Chapman of Sun Prairie, WI and Dawn (Dan) Eyre of Germantown, WI; five grandchildren, Brianne (Eric) Arnold of Madison, Amber (Drew) Kraus of Madison, Conner, Quinn and Alexis Eyre of Germantown; his great-granddaughter Parker Arnold, Cheri Chipman of Littleton, CO and brother Rodney (Sue) Berna of St. Louis, MO; his first wife Bonnie Kelsey of Madison, WI as well as many nieces and nephews and other relatives and friends. He is also survived by several foreign exchange students who thought of him as their "Dad". He is preceded in death by his father Hap Berna, mother Marion Berna, and brother-in-law Ed Chipman. Russ was stricken with Alzheimer's at the early age of 63. Please consider donating to the Alzheimer's Association to help rid the world of this terrible disease. A special thanks to Donna's family and friends for their ongoing support as she cared for Russ. The family would like to thank the caring staff at the Golden Living Center in Bloomington as well as Southern Care Hospice. And, of course Joey Wiles, who was Russ's loved weekday caregiver for many years. Russ left us at the young age of 71, but he lived life to the fullest. He will be missed by many, but his memory and wisdom will live on in our hearts forever. "Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened."…Dr. Seuss. There will be a celebration of Russ' life held at a later time where we all can smile.

Tributes

Russel Berna

July 19, 1942 - July 12, 2014