Bernard Francis Berning

Bernard F. Berning, age 95 of Versailles, Ohio, passed away on Thursday, July 23, 2026, at The Versailles Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center. Bernard was born on August 4, 1930 in Shelby County, Ohio, the son of the late Frank and Josephine (Meyer) Berning.

In addition to his parents, Bernard is preceded in death by his son-in-law, Mark Brackman; granddaughter, Amber Berning; his siblings, Helen (Tom) Fullenkamp, Catherine (Art) Reynolds, Marie (Vince) Hulesman and Loretta (Eugene) Link and brother-in-laws Art Hemmelgarn, Art Hermiller, Morris Siefring, Kenneth Seifring, Wilbur (Martha) Thobe, Victor (Henrietta) Thobe, Hugo (Norma) Thobe, Art (Jeanette) Thobe, Cyril (Wilma) Thobe, Paul (Eileen) Thobe, Tom (Judy) Thobe.

He is survived by his wife of 67 years, Irene (Thobe) Berning, whom he married on August 9, 1958; his children; Dale (Jessica) Berning, Doris (Keith) Brackman-Good and Don (Lisa) Berning; 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren with one on the way; his siblings, Anna Hemmelgarn, Veronica Hermiller and Frances Siefring, as well as numerous nieces and nephews and extended family members.

Bernard was a lifelong farmer, leaving high school early to help on the family farm. His unwavering dedication, hard work, and love for the land remained the foundation of his life.

There will be a Mass of Christian Burial held on Friday, July 31, 2026, at 10:30 AM at Holy Family Catholic Church, Frenchtown, Ohio, with Rev. Ned Brown celebrant. Burial will follow in the Holy Family Cemetery, Frenchtown, Ohio.

Family will receive friends on Thursday, July 30, 2026, from 3:00 PM until 7:00 PM as well as on Friday morning from 9-10 AM at Bailey Zechar Funeral Home, Versailles, Ohio.

It is the wishes of the family that memorial contributions be given to the Osgood Rescue or Ohio’s Hospice of Miami County.

Condolences for Berning family may be sent to www.zecharbailey.com.