In loving memory of

Phyllis Berning
February 27, 1945 - December 22, 2020

Phyllis M. Berning, age 75, of Rochester, Minnesota died Tuesday, December 22, 2020 at St. Mary's Hospital from complications of COVID-19.

Phyllis Margaret Berning was born to Dallas and Virginia (Moos) Junge on February 27, 1945.
She was the second oldest of ten children. She grew up on the family farm in Harmony, Minnesota and graduated from Harmony High School in 1963.

Phyllis was united in marriage to her high school sweetheart, Charles Berning on August 4, 1965 at the Co-Cathedral of St. John the Evangelist in Rochester, MN. They built their home in Stewartville where they resided until 1976 when they moved to their home on the Mississippi River in Kellogg, MN. In 2000, they moved to Rochester, MN.

Phyllis earned her undergraduate degree at Winona State University, graduate degree at Bemidji State University and her PhD in Education from the University of Minnesota. She worked as a professor and program director finishing her career at the University of Minnesota St Paul, MN Campus.

In addition to being a dedicated and loving mother, Phyllis also cherished the time spent with her grandchildren, family and friends. She also enjoyed worldwide travel, golfing, reading and sewing. Throughout her entire life, she held an unwavering faith in God, which she shared with those who surrounded her. She was a member of St. Pius X Catholic Church in Rochester, MN.

She is survived by her husband, Charles; daughter, Brenda (Steve) of Kellogg, MN; son, Robert of Fort Myers, FL; three grandchildren Mikala (Joe), Michael and Brayden; eight siblings, Denny (Nancy) Junge, Ron (Sandy) Junge, Leroy (Marlys) Junge, Alice (Jerry) Bigalk-Passe, Dave Junge, James Junge, Adrian Junge, Barb (Todd) Nechkash; sister-in-law, Patty Junge; many nieces. nephews and extended family.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her brother Damon Junge and grandchild Nikolas Berning.

Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, a celebration of life and remembrance will be held at a later date. Ranfranz and Vine Funeral Home is honored to be serving the Berning family; to share a special memory or condolence, please visit www.ranfranzandvinefh.com

Tributes

Scott and Tara Petersen (Sioux Falls) wrote on Jan 16, 2021:

"Thoughts and prayers are with Chuck, Bob, Brenda and your families. I have such great childhood memories of our families spending time together. Our deepest sympathies go out to you. "

Mike Fox wrote on Jan 1, 2021:

"Thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time. My deepest sympathy."

Ellen Bonnes Lawson wrote on Dec 28, 2020:

"So sorry for your loss Chuck, Prayers for you and your family."

Barb Berge Simmons wrote on Dec 27, 2020:

"Phyllis was one of my best friends in high school and then working in Rochester. We were roommates and shared lots of good times together. We double dated, went to Friday night dances, football games and basketball games, shopping trips, GRA, many sleepovers at her house and mine, big parties at Diane?s! I remember one night about 2 in the morning walking down her gravel road. Her Dad was not happy with us. Like I say, lots of good memories! RIP Phyllis!!!!"

Joanie Bicknese wrote on Dec 27, 2020:

"So sorry for your loss... she was a very special lady to our family.. your whole family is special to me... I love you all... Phyllis is in good hands now...God will take care of her and all of you too. Hugs. Joanie"

Susan and Raymond Bigalk wrote on Dec 27, 2020:

"Raymond and I are so very sorry to read of Phyllis's death. It was always such a pleasure to talk with them when we would happen to eat at Beetle's and they would be there. also. Our heartfelt sympathies to the family of Phyllis."

Jerry Vagts wrote on Dec 27, 2020:

"Chuck, Brenda and Bob, I am so sorry to hear this. I have memories of Phyllis from early childhood playing at my cousin?s and her neighbors. Our lives intersected many times over the years. The last was time spent together at our 50th Class Reunion. We ran into her and Chuck once in a furniture store. We sat down in one of the living room settings and visited for two hours! She was a wonderful friend. "

Valerie Vagts wrote on Dec 27, 2020:

"Chuck, you and Phyllis were wonderful friends to us during our Stewartville years. I just made an annual batch of peanut butter bon bons, a recipe from Phyllis that we love. I remember taking care of Brenda and Bob when Phyllis was getting her Masters. She taught me so many things. I am stunned at her passing. May the love of friends and family bring you comfort. Val"

Jerry Vagts wrote on Dec 27, 2020:

"Chuck, Brenda and Bob, I am so sorry to hear this. I have memories of Phyllis from early childhood playing at my cousin?s and her neighbors. Our lives intersected many times over the years. The last was time spent together at our 50th Class Reunion. We ran into her and Chuck once in a furniture store. We sat down in one of the living room settings and visited for two hours! She was a wonderful friend. "

Jim & Rita Fox wrote on Dec 26, 2020:

"Our sympathy goes out Chuck, Bob and Brenda for the lost of Phyllis. She was a very nice lady. We enjoyed much time with her and Chuck watching our children playing sports in high school. Was sorry to hear of Phyllis passing on."