Charles Henry Berns

Charles Henry Berns, age 84, of Monroe, Michigan passed away on Monday, April 21, 2014 at home surrounded by his family. Born on May 15, 1929 in Dundee, Charlie was the son of Carl and Millie (Arnold) Berns. He married Clara Croskey on September 3, 1948. Together they raised eight children and sometimes danced in the kitchen. Clara preceded him in death on January 3, 1993 after 44 years of marriage. Charlie was born in the Dundee – Ida area and moved to Monroe with his family after the death of his father. He worked several jobs as a teenager including Reisig’s Cleaners and the Morgan’s Mobil Gas Station. He worked at Kelsey- Hayes and then Ford Motor Company, Monroe for 30 years before retiring in 1980. He drove hi-lo and was also a steel expediter. He served as a trustee for UAW Local 723 for many years. After retiring, Charlie became involved in a myriad of service projects that his children roped him into including building floats for parades, a festival ticket booth, clean up and decorating projects and on and on. Rarely was he seen without a cigar between his teeth. He worked three jobs while supporting his family that include Gary (Terri) Berns of Temperance, MI; Ronald (Julie) Berns of Monroe, MI; Janet (Ron Reddick) Berns of Monroe; Judy Berns of Monroe; Jeffrey (Robin) Berns of Tempe, AZ; and Randy (Lisa) Berns of Temperance, MI and his brother: Bob (Dolly) Berns of Monroe. Sadly, son, Richard Berns (2011) and daughter, Ginger Berns (2009) both preceded him in death. Also preceding him in death was his brother Bill. His grandchildren include Nicole (Christopher) Berns- Moore of Lambertville, MI; Jacob (Jean) Berns of New Jersey, Matthew Berns of New Jersey; Nicholas and Taylor Berns of Tempe, AZ; Andrew and Abigail Berns of Temperance, MI and Sarah (Jeff) Stetson of Anthem, AZ and Brian Eckert of Temperance, MI. Great-grandchildren include Karsyn, Ashlynn, Madelyn, Shelby, Landon and Aimee, Beau, Conner, and one on the way. Charlie liked bowling, playing euchre, hunting, fishing, golfing, traveling and taking the family to Wamplers Lake on the weekends. In his later years, he enjoyed volunteering at the Monroe County Fair for fair set-up , driving around looking for deer, spending time with his friend Lois Cronenwett and hanging out with the guys at McDonald’s and the Monroe Senior Center where he always willing to share his opinions. Visitation will be held on Wednesday from 1-8 PM in the Bacarella Funeral Home, 1021 S. Telegraph Rd. in Monroe, where funeral services celebrating his life will be held on Thursday, April 24, 2014 at 11:00 AM. The Rev. William Kreichbaum, pastor of Calvary United Methodist will officiate. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Mercy Memorial Hospice of Monroe or your local American Cancer Society Relay for Life team.

Charles Henry Berns

May 15, 1929 - April 21, 2014