Robert Frederick Berning

Lieutenant Commander Robert Frederick Berning (a.k.a. Bob, Dad, Grandpa, Mr. Berning, Coach Berning, Bullet Bob), 93, of DeKalb, Illinois, went to be with Jesus on Thursday, October 10, 2019.

He was born on December 23, 1925 in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to Rudolph and Martha (Menze) Berning.

Robert is survived by his beloved wife of 63 years, Evelyn (nee Chaveriat) children William (Jan), Jon, Susan (Jim) Hammack, and Rick (Lori); grandchildren Heather (Ian), Sarah, Robert (Victoria), Janelle, David, Judy (Luke) Dymanyk, Josh, and Drew; step-grandchildren Jonathan (Heather), Celeste, and Nathaniel (Kelly); step-great grandchildren Jaxon and Addyson; and sister, Lois.

He grew up in Seward, Nebraska (God's country!). He enlisted in the Navy at the age of 17, distinguished himself as an officer at age 19, and commanded a ship at age 24.  He served in WWII and the Korean War, remained active in the Reserves, and "retired" with the rank of Lieutenant Commander after 16 years. As he explained, he was heading to the Pacific when the Japanese surrendered, presumably because they knew he was coming.  His ship, the USS Worland, was stationed in Chicago during the Korean War, and he was always proud that not one Korean ship made it to Lake Michigan during his tenure.  Robert was humble in discourse, yet, inwardly, fiercely proud of his defense of the United States.

Roberts's second career was at Luther High School North, Chicago, where he taught and coached for 42 years. He taught classes in math, science, and drafting and coached football and cross-country. Repeatedly, he received recognition from former students for the difference that he had made in their lives.

He loved his farm near Seward, Nebraska. It was his place of utter joy and contentment, a feeling passed down to his four children and his grandchildren. Come rain or shine, Robert could be found painting the house, pulling up thistles, digging fence post holes, fishing in his pond, chasing wayward cows, "milking the beans," and an assortment of other farm activities that needed to get done (and that's what he called vacation). Evelyn, however, had different ideas, so, in addition to Nebraska vacations, they traveled to all corners of the world.

Robert was committed to things he valued in life. He honored his Lord and Savior with daily devotions, regular church attendance, and serving others. He was an active member of St. John Lutheran Church, Chicago, and then moved to DeKalb in 2003, where he continued active membership at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. John, Sycamore. He was dedicated to his family; his gentle love was evident every day. He maintained his health with nutritious eating and consistent fitness activities, even having a personal trainer this past year. In addition, his dry sense of humor, teasing, and caring defined his interactions with others.

Robert's Celebration of Life service is Saturday, October 26, 2019, 12:00 p.m., at the Evangelical Lutheran Church of St. John, Sycamore, Illinois. The visitation, scheduled to begin at 10:30 a.m., will precede the service.  A luncheon will follow the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations to Concordia University, Nebraska and Chicagoland Lutheran Educational Foundation (CLEF).

Arrangements were completed by the Butala Funeral Home in Sycamore, IL.  To sign the online guest book, go to www.ButalaFuneralHomes.com