New Richmond:
(715) 243-5252  |  
River Falls:
(715) 425-8788

Mel Berning 02/06/2021

Mel Berning, age 64, of New Richmond passed away Saturday, February 6, 2021 at his home following a private battle with terminal cancer.  Mel was a veteran of the U.S. Marine Corps and held the ranking of Lance Corporal.  Mel was very proud of his military service and achieved a Rifle Sharpshooter Badge.  Mel was a member of the American Legion Post 80 and the VFW of New Richmond.  He was also very proud to be a Green Bay Packer shareholder.  Mel is survived by his wife, Connie Berning; daughters, Abigail Berning, Alyssa (fiance’, Andrew Hanson) Berning and Aubrey Berning; siblings, David Berning, Mary (Dale) Strohbeen, Phil Berning, Robert (Joanie) Berning, Bill (Peggy) Berning; many nephews, nieces, grand-nephews, and grand-nieces.  He was especially proud to be Godfather to Jacob Berning, Levi Homann, Paige Kunkel, and Alex Burrier.  A private graveside service was held Friday, February 12, 2021 at Fort Snelling National Cemetery in Minneapolis, MN.  A public memorial service will be held at a later date.  Arrangements are with Bakken-Young Funeral & Cremation Services.

28 Comments

  • Stephanie Singerhouse Posted February 7, 2021 10:08 pm

    My deepest condolences. Mel was such a nice guy. (Class of 1974)

  • Ian Edwards Posted February 8, 2021 1:27 pm

    Sad news, he was a thoroughly nice bloke and my heart goes out to his wife,daughters and the rest of his family
    Words never seem to be enough to convey the sorrow..

  • Gary Crosby Posted February 8, 2021 1:55 pm

    My Condolences, sorry for your loss. (Class of 74)

  • Jim Peirson Posted February 8, 2021 3:53 pm

    Words can’t describe how sorry I am to hear of Mel’s passing, like so many others in NRHS Class of “1974” he too was a character. Honest, hard working, topped off with a great sense of humor. He was a “good guy”, always willing to help people. Over the years Mel, Connie and the girls have been terrific neighbors to my folks. This will be hard, he will be deeply missed by all. . .

  • Jim Remington Posted February 9, 2021 1:12 am

    Our deepest condolences to Connie and the girls. From a navy vet to a marine vet. RIP Mel.

  • Julie Stansbury Posted February 9, 2021 1:28 am

    So sorry for your loss

  • Sue Gillis Posted February 9, 2021 5:29 am

    As stated by class of 74…Mel was always smiling and happy…the class of 74 will truly miss him

  • gina belisle-miller Posted February 9, 2021 8:03 am

    You are all in our thoughts and prayers…may he Rest in Peace. Jim and Gina Miller

  • Steph Shilts Posted February 9, 2021 2:22 pm

    Words cannot describe how sorry I am to hear of Mel’s passing. Your family was such a big part of my life at Suzannas and through Lolas family restaurant. So many memories!

  • Cheryl Meyer-Fellinger Posted February 9, 2021 10:48 am

    To all of Mel’s family my deepest sympathy. He was a special person and will be missed by so many. Thoughts and prayers to all of you.

  • Sue (Sullivan) Schwertel Posted February 9, 2021 7:25 pm

    To all of Mel’s loved ones, my heartfelt condolences. My memories of Mel from high school can be summed up in one word: sweet. He was just an overall nice person and I know he’ll be missed dearly.

  • Mary Manske Posted February 9, 2021 7:26 pm

    What a terrible loss to the Berning family. Mel was a friend to all… He will truly be missed by so many.

  • Andrea Mewes and family Posted February 9, 2021 7:33 pm

    We are so very sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. He will be missed by many. When I think of him, I see a smiling face and I just can’t help but smile as well! He made a difference in this life here on earth and I’m sure Jesus was overjoyed to see him finally home-where there is nothing but love and joy and absolutely no pain. I plan to see him again too; and the next time I do, it will be forever! Praise God for his amazing plan and good news!

  • Jean Bygd Posted February 9, 2021 7:56 pm

    Mel was a great classmate and a great person. He will be missed by many.

  • Tim and Amy Posted February 9, 2021 8:05 pm

    We are so saddened to read the message about Mel. I was proud to call him a friend and I hope he felt the same way. I look fondly back at our time together as families. We always enjoyed his company as everyone surely did. We are very glad you guys could make Ben’s graduation celebration. I know its a long drive. I remember Mel and I gave each other a somewhat awkward dad hug. I’m glad we did. RIP Mel. God Bless.

  • Dianne Gale Posted February 9, 2021 8:58 pm

    So sorry to hear of Mels passing. You and the family have great memories to hold on to. He no longer is struggling with that pain and may he Rest In Peace.

  • Karen and Dave Lutz Posted February 9, 2021 10:28 pm

    Connie and girls,
    Sorry to hear of Mel’s passing… our thoughts and prayers are with you … our hearts are saddened.

  • Cheryl and Marv Boucher Posted February 10, 2021 7:43 am

    Such sad news for the Berning family. Condolences to Connie and the girls.

  • James and Jean Marynik Posted February 10, 2021 11:05 am

    Our thought and prayers are with the family. It was saddening to hear from Aunt Jackie Cisinski of the loss of a cousin. It is never easy to loss a man who means a lot to a family; a spouse, a father especially.

  • LaVonne Stephenson Posted February 10, 2021 4:50 pm

    I’m so sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. He was a great person, always so friendly. I also enjoyed his sense of humor! My thoughts and prayers are with his family.

  • Katie (Peirson) Thomas Posted February 10, 2021 6:49 pm

    Dear Connie & Girls,
    I was so saddened to hear of Mel’s passing. Sending many prayers and hugs to you all.

  • Jenn Posted February 10, 2021 9:01 pm

    Mel was a amazing person always could put a smile on anyone’s face he will truly be missed. Sending love and prayers to his family and many friends.

  • DWIGHT E WOLTER Posted February 12, 2021 2:56 pm

    So very sorry for your loss.. Always fun to talk to him.. He will be missed .by all.. Connie and family.. you are in my prayers…

  • Timothy Larson Posted February 13, 2021 5:11 pm

    I am so sorry for your loss. Truly enjoyed getting to know Mel, as long as working with him for years. My prayers go out to family and friends that knew him best

  • Craig Sather Posted February 13, 2021 9:18 pm

    So sorry to hear of Mel’s passing. I remember Mel’s wonderful smile and sense of humor. Hang in there. God bless.

  • Sharon Vlasak Posted February 13, 2021 10:28 pm

    Connie and family – our most sincere condolences to the Berning family. John and I are so saddened to hear about Mel. We will truly miss him and his wit.

  • Colleen Hammer Posted February 16, 2021 10:13 am

    So sorry to hear this. Peters to Connie and family.

  • Marshall Boumeester Posted August 27, 2021 3:55 pm

    My condolences for your loss. I worked with Mel for so many years in Bayport. A trusted friend and great wit. RIP my friend

Add Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *