Gertrude Berning, age 87, of Adrian, died Friday, August 26, 2016 at the Sanford Luverne Hospice Cottage. She was born April 29, 1929 on a farm in Westside Township, rural Adrian, to John Sr. and Grace (Van Beest) Boltjes. Gertrude was raised in Lismore & Edgerton, but most of her childhood she lived on a farm near Adrian. She attended rural school near Adrian and Adrian Public School.
Gertrude married Alvin Berning on July 13, 1948 at the Emmanuel Presbyterian Church south of Rushmore. After their marriage the couple lived in Adrian. In her early years, Gertrude was employed at Adrian Creamery and Safeway. She later enjoyed being home raising her children.
She was a member of St. Adrian Catholic Church and the WCCW. Gertrude loved baking for her family even if she could not enjoy much of the goodies because of her diabetes. She always had cookies and bars around for family. The family enjoyed her potato salad and sweet pickles. Gertrude also enjoyed playing Bingo and Pinochle. She was a generous person ready to help family & friends when needed.
Gertrude is survived by her husband, Al Berning, Adrian; four children, Linda (Jerry) Heitkamp, Slayton; Steve (Becky) Berning, Worthington; Randy (Karen) Berning, Adrian; and Brad (Jodi) Berning, Alexandria; son-in-law, Gary Abels, Brewster; ten grandchildren, Bruce (Judy) Heitkamp, Scott (Lori) Heitkamp, Jodi (Chad) Olson, Jeff (Wendy) Berning, Justin (friend, Sandra) Berning, Angie (Ryan) Beyenhof, Shawn (Amber) Berning, Carrie (friend, Kyle) Domeyer, Josh Schuck, and Derek Berning; sixteen great grandchildren; two brothers, Henry Boltjes, Ellsworth; and John Jr. (Essie) Boltjes, Worthington; and two sisters, Mary Buus, Luverne; and Frances (Jerome) Erpelding, Adrian.
She was preceded in death by her parents; daughter, Laurie Abels in 2016; four brothers, William, Herman, Art and Harm Boltjes; an infant brother; and five sisters, Jeriena Bartholomaus, Hattie Haken, Grace Schroeder, Minnie Hinrichs and Georgia Tiesler.
Visitation will be from 4-7 pm Tuesday at the Dingmann Funeral Home, in Adrian, with Parish prayers at 4:15 pm. Visitation also from 9:30 to 10:15 am Wednesday at the funeral home. Funeral Mass will be 10:30 am Wednesday at St. Adrian Catholic Church officiated by Frs. Andrew Beerman & James Berning. Burial will be in the St. Adrian Cemetery.
To view an online obituary, sign a virtual register book or order flowers, please visit www.dingmannandsons.com.
