Happy Father's Day Daddy.  You were kind, funny, laid back, and the most brilliant man I ever knew. I was so lucky to be your daughter.  Each passing year is not easier without you.  

Today it is five years since I lost you.  My memories come and go but I still remember that night clearly.  Many believe 5 years is a short timeframe, and it is.  A lot can change in a short period of time, however.  My life, and even who I am, and certainly what surrounds me is different.  It is painful and riddled with yet even more loss for me to carry with me in life.   I miss you both so much.  That was my biggest mistake.  Not realizing how final death would be and that it would come.  In my mind you were strong and invincible.  I failed to make the most out of the time we have had.  However, your love for me was so strong that even after death what you did to protect and provide saves me and comforts me daily.  I didn’t deserve the peace and safety you left behind.  That is truly unconditional love, and it is the only unconditional love someone will experience in their lifetime, from their parents - if they do not, they will suffer for it; in unimaginable ways.  You cannot heal someone through loving them when they failed to experience the fundamental type of support and love you gave me.  Each year is tougher than the last.  Grief lessens slowly over time but each new wound reopens the last.  This year may be the worst of all for grief.  The world is a vastly different place now than it was when you were around in so many ways.  While there are so many things I would rather be sharing with you right now, it is relieving that you do not have to live through these days.

Another year has come and gone without you.  Another year has tallied up to more loss and more tears than I can count.  It has been like ripping the scab off a wound starting to heal.  I don't know what comes after but I hope you and mom are together again, happy, healthy, and spoiling all the animals.  Sometimes the only comforting thought is that neither of you are suffering or have to be alone or apart anymore.

Every new day brings a new challenge.  Every new loss adds up to a new scar.  These days have been especially hard for many reasons, but without you I feel like I have lost my anchor to all I could count on to be stable right now.  Sometimes I feel like I am terribly off-course, especially when I don't have a clue what advice or opinion you would h ave had.  I know one thing, and that is that you would never give up, even at the end, and neither will I.  I may not know what lies ahead, but I will confront it and overcome it.  I will meet my match every now and then, get up brush myself off, learn from it, and carry on until I cannot anymore - just like you.

With every ending is a new, and longer, beginning.  Every year I commemorate your new beginning, and mine, by beginning some new chapter no matter how big or small to learn, to grow, and most importantly to stay close to you.  This year is no different, and its almost as though by design.  Let this new chapter be dedicated to you daddy.  

Life is nothing more than a story in the end.  One that lives on or one that dies.  I remember yours, although I am sure that we lost a lot of what we didn't have time to share.  I will build my story too, remembered or forgotten, I will make sure it has a many chapters as I can fit in it.  Thank you daddy for giving me meaning, even after you are gone.  

I love you always.

Daddy, this is the first year I feel like I have lived in the moment again since you left me.  It's taken a village to make that happen and it's quite the village I've found myself supported by.  But since your death I've learned to let go and live while I can.  I've done more in a year than you can imagine and there is so much more to do.  I will experience everything.  There have been moments you would have given me that Goofy 'are you for real' look, and moments of complete awe. But in every moment I think of you and you are there with me. I miss you so much. You always have and always will inspire me to get out in the world, make the most of it, and make a difference.

I feel your crazy stories just began as we talked as adults... Now I have crazy stories of my own; I wish I could tell you.  I know they add character to life.  They make a person real and approachable, authentic and vulnerable.  You were very good at making the most of a situation. You taught me to make memories, and sometimes it feels like the more memories I make and can't share with you the harder it gets. 

But still after all this time I wish desperately you were here.  I am still destroyed by your absence.  It is true you don't realize what you have until it's gone.  I am so very sorry I did not make better use of the time we had together. I am glad I am finding the ability to pick up and carry on, but it's devastating when I slow down or stop and realize I don't have you.  I miss you so damn much daddy. 

Dad, 

Its been 2 years now.  This year has gone by quickly and had its ups and downs...but I missed you every day of it.  So much happened but its not the same without you here. It hasnt been easier, but it has been different.  This year I realized that you are gone and that wont change but I also realized that you are always a part of who I am and my soul.  You are still here, you still exist, just in a different way than before.  You left a bit of yourself with every impression you made on people and memory you were a part of and you will be around in a lot of peoples' hearts for many years to come. The world is a better place for having you in it for even a moment.  Thank you for being a good person and a great role model for me; even after your death you inspire me.  Daddy, I try to be as good and as honest, ethical, and kind as you were.  Its not the easy route but it is the right way and I owe it all to you that I can go to sleep at night resting easy for doing the right thing and being the best person I can be.

I love you daddy.


It is with great sorrow reading of Karl's passing. We served together on the USS Little Rock during our deployment to GaeTa Italy. He was a very dear friend, visiting my wife and I at Great Lakes, Illinois while i attended 'B' school. I have always cherished his friendship. Unfortunately we losy contact over the years...God bless him and his family...

Daddy, 

It's been a year without you and I don't know if the time went fast or slow, but my world certainly stopped spinning a year ago today.  There has not been a single day that passed without me thinking of you; wishing I could call and ask you questions, listen to you talk about work or share memories, telling you what I am accomplishing and seeing you beam with pride, or having you come over and share a hobby with me.  We were just getting started in a new wonderful chapter of our lives as you neared retirement and we spent more time together as adults. This world, my world, is a whole lot dimmer without your brilliance of mind, heart, and personality here to light it up.  Even in death as I learn more about what you knew and tried and succeeded at, you still inspire me to always do my best and be a good person.  I love you daddy.

Sorry to hear that Karl has died. Even though we have lost touch over the last few years, I remember Karl as a fine co-worker who was able to be on top of everything with great humor.
Dave Dillman

My condolences to the Berna family.It was a very rewarding experience to know and serve with Karl on the U.S.S Little Rock.Sailor rest your oars, and may God bless.

We have another person gone too soon...now that's someone's father, brother, uncle, grandfather, and friend who is no longer with us, but who will be watching over all of us.  My condolences go out to the immediate family members.  I may have not known him well, but he was and STILL is a great man.  Though losing someone is never easy, in fact it's one of the hardest things to ever happen.  It's easy to be sad and let the grief overwhelm you.  It may seem like you can't move forward, but you can.  Don't mourn the loss of your loved one, but rather celebrate his life and what he meant to you.  Remember the good times and always cherish the memories you have.  Physically he may be gone, but he will live in our hearts forever.

Dear Karl, Candy, Orion, Ahron, Liz and Brian. So sorry for your loss. I knew Karl many many years ago. He was always fun guy. It was nice to see him later in his life. Knowing he's not in pain should bring Peace to his family. He will be missed by his family. I will think of his family because I know exactly what your going through after losing a great nephew, a dear sister and two best friends in six months. It's tough but I know I have to get through it. And you will too. Just take it one day at a time. Love Aunt Janet and Uncle Jim.

Dad,  thank you for everything you have ever done for me. It is something I never said enough. You were a man of many strengths and made me who I am today.  There was no better father that graced this earth.  For every important event in my life you were right there in it.  I can only look up and hope to achieve as many great things as you did.
I only wish we had time left to go fishing and shooting together, to hear more of your wisdom and stories, and most of all that I could return all the kindness and care you gave me through the years.
You are my hero, my idol, my daddy, forever.  Love you always,
Your little girl.

I will miss Karl greatly. 
Wish the family and all who knew Karl, peace.

Saddened to hear of Uncle Chip's passing.  I remember fondly calling him "Uncle Chicken Chip" looking forward to his goodies off the grill and his laugh at family gatherings when I was a girl.  Our thoughts and prayers, Lisa Berna Bergeson and family (daughter of Jerry & Beverly Berna)

Sorry to hear about Uncle Chippers passing and I send my love and prayers to all the family.

Love Katelyn and Travis Bush

Elizabeth, you were always the bright shine in your father's eyes.  Love never lessens it just gets fonder.  His laugh, his smile, and our wonderful memories will always stay with us.  We won't forget.  Give our love to your Mom, she'll be in our prayers.  Peter and Mary

So sorry to hear of Chip's passing, he was a great brother. Our thought'sand prayers are with you all.

A father may pass on but his thoughts, hopes and dreams live on in us.
In this time of your loss, we lift you up in prayer.
We pray that in your sorrow, you'll find that God is always there
And though we can't be with you, you're in our thoughts each day,
For we will always remember you, when we kneel to pray.

My Heart goes out to you all .So sorry to hear of Chip's passing. He was a great brother !

Liz ~ I'm so sorry, the loss of a loved one is heart breaking.  Know that you're in the thoughts and prayers of your friends and family. May your pain be eased knowing he is at peaceful rest.

Liz - My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this very sad time.

My thoughts and prayers are with you all!

A dear life lost that touched and connected deeply to many yanks each heart string with full force.  Our thoughts and prayers are with you.

Liz- you are in my prayers, I am so sorry for your loss

We are thinking of and praying for the family during this difficult time. May your happy memories bring you peace.

Wishing you peace to bring comfort, courage to face the days ahead and loving memories to forever hold in your heart.

Karl, Candy, & boys;
    So sorry to hear of the death of your dad and grandfather.  Cherish the memories you have of him forever.  Our thoughts and prayers are with all of you.  Please let me know if we can do anything to help.  Tina, Tom, & Gabe

AVIS DE DÉCÈS

Karl David Berna

27 décembre 1946 – 24 mai 2016

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