Berns, Avis Darlene (Decker) 1931-2021

BERNS, SMITH, DECKER, KREGEL, MUELLER, KRUSE

Posted By: Ken Wright (email)
Date: 10/31/2021 at 14:26:48

Avis Darlene Berns, 90, of Monona, Iowa died Wednesday, October, 27, 2021 at Aase Haugen Senior Services, Decorah, Iowa.

Avis was born to Ernest and Cora (Smith) Decker on January 19, 1931 on the family farm in rural Waukon, Iowa. She attended Maple Dale School in Allamakee County in Waukon, Iowa. At age ten, Avis starting milking cows on her parent’s farm. She also learned top notch cooking skills from her mother.

On January 16, 1960, Avis was united in marriage with Joseph Alex Berns. Together they raised feeder pigs, beef cows and crops east of Monona on Joseph’s family farm. Avis, Joe and the children had their corn freezing days and raising and freezing many chickens. Avis and Joe loved their vegetable and flower gardens, house plants and had a large strawberry patch. They also went to berry farms to pick flats of berries. The shelves and freezers were always full at the end of the harvest season. Avis baked bread every Monday and family enjoyed the fresh bread and homemade jams after school. Avis always made sure everyone was fed well, including her family and anyone helping on the farm. She was known for her pies, cakes and buttermilk brownies and was asked to bring them to many community events and family get togethers. Avis baked with love and she always had a big supply of cookies for her grandchildren.

Avis enjoyed playing cards, sitting on her front porch, visiting with her friends and watching cars go by. She was a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church, St. Patrick Rosary Society-service Society, Secret Sisters and Catholic Daughters of the Americas.

Surviving Avis are her children, Kathy Berns of Wortham, Texas, Kevin (Molly) Berns of Springfield, Illinois, Joyce (Rod) Kregel of Monona, Iowa, Jean (Tony) Mueller of Monona, Iowa and Julie Kruse of Monona, Iowa; grandchildren, Shantele (Bob) Gillmann, Andrea (Tim) Miller, Wade (Katie) Kregel, Cole (Macey) Kregel, Drew (Susan Voong) Mueller, Heath (Jordyn Houston) Mueller, Trey Mueller, Jessica (Stuart Jones) Kruse, Jon (Chelsea) Kruse, Brian Berns, Philip (Jess) Berns, Katelyn Berns and Andrew (Becky) Schmidt; many great-grandchildren; sisters, Bernetta Appleton, Maureen Wagner, Annabel Marti, Geradine Thies and Janice (Norman) Melheim; sisters-in-law, Betty Decker and Delores Wagner.

Preceding Avis in death were her husband, Joseph on July 15, 1990; parents, Ernest and Cora Decker; sister, Helen Johanningmeier; one infant sister; brothers, George, Ernie and Gerald Decker.

Mass of Christian Burial will be at 2:00 pm on Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Monona, Iowa with. Rev Chris Podhajsky as the celebrant. There will be a one hour visitation before mass at the church on Tuesday.
Burial will follow at St. Patrick Catholic Cemetery in Monona, Iowa.

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Monona, Iowa is assisting the family with arrangements.