It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Gerald Lee Berner, who left us peacefully on December 26, 2024, in Phoenix, Arizona, at the age of 87.

Born on July 26, 1937, in Toronto, Iowa, Jerry spent his early years on the family farm and attended grade school in Lost Nation, Iowa, until 1952. After graduating, he proudly served his country in the United States Army from 1956 to 1958.

In 1960, Jerry relocated to Arizona, where he began a distinguished career. He started as a member of the Phoenix Police Department, serving for seven years. Always eager to further his education, he returned to school in 1964, graduating from Phoenix College in 1966 and from Arizona State University with honors in 1968 with a degree in accounting. Jerry earned his CPA in 1970 and began his business career with the accounting firm Peat Marwick, Mitchell.

Jerry went on to hold prominent positions in his field, including working for Del Webb Corporation and later Greyhound/Dial Corporation. He traveled internationally for many years.  He retired in 1999 as Vice President of Internal Auditing for Greyhound/Viad Corporation, leaving behind a legacy of professionalism, integrity, and leadership.

In 1965, Jerry married the love of his life, Jeanne, with whom he shared 47 wonderful years of marriage until her passing in 2013. Their enduring bond remains an inspiration to all who knew them. Jerry will be laid to rest at Pence Cemetery in Jackson County, Iowa, next to Jeanne, fulfilling their shared wish to be together for eternity.

Jerry was known for his unwavering work ethic, sharp intellect, dates he never forgot, his very kind heart and his zest for life!  He cherished his nieces and nephews and their children immensely and was known as “Uncle Jerry” by them as well as their friends and their children.  He enjoyed every minute with all of them!  He will be dearly missed!

He enjoyed cars and owned many from sports cars to classics over the years.  Jerry had a love for the game of golf and succeeded in getting multiple Hole in Ones! He loved spending time with family and friends and leaves behind countless cherished memories.

Those left to honor his memory include 2 brothers and 2 sisters – Glenn Berner, Raymond Berner (Max Berner), Arlene Berner and Dorothy Fox, 14 nieces and nephews and multiple great and great, great nieces and nephews.  He was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Jeanne Berner, his parents Frank and Hattie Berner, his brothers Cliff Berner and Larry Berner and brother-in-law Lorin Fox and sister-in-law Lola Berner.

A celebration of his life will be held at 10:30 A.M., Saturday, January 11, 2025, at Carson Celebration of Life Center in Maquoketa.  Visitation will be held prior to the funeral from 9 A.M. to 10:30 A.M. at the funeral home.  Burial with military honors will be at Pence Cemetery, rural Baldwin, Iowa.  Services will also be held at Hansen Mortuary in Phoenix, Arizona on January 7, 2025.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.CarsonAndSon.com.