Thomas P. Berning, age 41, of Dubuque, Iowa, completed his earthly journey on October 29, 2020, at home, due to heart failure.  To honor Tom’s life, a private family service is being held.  The Tri-State Cremation Center is humbly serving Tom’s family.

Tom was born on December 17, 1978, in Dubuque, Iowa, a son to Thomas J. and Dianne L. (Mohr) Berning.  He grew up embracing his free-spirit and was very proud of becoming an Eagle Scout as he ventured into adulthood.  Tom spent his working hours in food service primarily and was always the big guy behind the counter, or at the window. With an even bigger smile, he found opportunities to share his love for life with those around him.  He also knew how to relax though, and when the workday was done, you could easily find him vigorously cheering on his Bear’s and Cubbies whenever they were playing.  His gentle and friendly demeanor was always on display and Tom made friends very easily wherever he went.  His affinity for real big and sincere hugs, both given and received, will thankfully now be able to provide some healing in the hearts and minds of all who knew and loved him as they can embrace the memories of their last one’s moving forward.  Tom’s sudden absence from our lives is quite a bit more than we can honestly handle, but we trust that his daughters, Kaitlyn and Crystal, will carry on his love of life.  Thank you, Tom, for showing us that life isn’t always as we would wish, but adding a little fun into the mix from time to time can surely ease the ride.  We will treasure every wonderful memory you leave behind, and may you find the peace you so deserve as you keep them all smiling up there until we meet again.   

Those left behind to cherish the memory of Thomas include,

his loving parents,
Tom and Dianne Berning, East Dubuque, Illinois.

his 2 daughters,
Kaitlyn Marie Degenhardt, Dubuque, Iowa,
and Crystal Anne Berning, Platteville, Wisconsin.

his granddaughter,
Raelynn Jo, Dubuque, Iowa.

his grandmother,
Colleen Mohr, East Dubuque, Illinois.

his aunts and uncles,
DeEtta (Tom) Jackoniski, East Dubuque, Illinois,
Dennis (Cathy) Mohr, Kieler, Wisconsin,
Dawn (Slim) Stelpflug, East Dubuque, Illinois,
Donita (Ronnie) Shireman, East Dubuque, Illinois, (Godmother)
Debbie (Mike McGovern) Redmon, East Dubuque, Illinois,
David Mohr, East Dubuque, Illinois,
Doug Mohr, Dubuque, Iowa,
Dolly (Jamie) Kuhle, Venice, Florida,
Joyce Berning, Mineral Point, Wisconsin
Wayne Berning, Hazel Green, Wisconsin,
Gary (Deb) Berning, East Dubuque, Illinois,
Gene Berning, Hazel Green, Wisconsin,
Joan (Ken) McDonough, Florida,
Judy (Kevin) Haverland, Cuba City, Wisconsin,
Jane Berning, Sherrill, Iowa,
Jackie (Dan) Larson, East Dubuque, Illinois,
Carl Berning, Dodgeville, Wisconsin,
Mary Berning, Coloma, Wisconsin
and Joyce (Tim) Dunbar, East Dubuque, Illinois.

along with countless extended family, friends, and neighbors.

Tom was preceded in death by his grandparents, Wes Mohr, Harold and Mary Berning; and his uncles, Darrel Mohr and Dave Berning (Godfather). 

Tom’s family would like to thank all our family and friends for their outpouring of love, concern, and compassion.  Our hearts are beyond broken today, but just knowing that you’re all there to help hold the pieces in place until some healing can begin is a blessing greater than you could know.

Online condolences may be shared with Tom’s family at www.tristatecremationcenter.com