Gerald R. "Gary" Berner

Gerald "Gary" Roland Berner
70, of New Lenox, passed away Saturday, May 27, 2017, surrounded with love, by his family. Cherished husband of Karen (nee Hoppe); adoring father of Indalia (Brian Hemstock) and Marbeya Berner; dear brother of Leslie (the late Joe) Zubcic; friend and brother-in-law of Tom Von Hoppe; devoted godfather to Liane (Jim) Birk and Matthew (Michelle) Zubcic; fond uncle to Joshua(Michelle) and Nathan Zubcic, Shenan Hoppe-Ludwig(Mike Pawlarczyk), Jennifer Grzelak, Joe Grzelak, and Douglas (Dolly) Von Hoppe; forever friend to Judy Ludwig(Chuck Schull), Frank(Gini) Knittle, and many more; treasured cousin and great uncle.

A triple cancer fighter (prostate, multiple myeloma, skin), Gary faced his battle with strength and a quick wit. He never forgot to enjoy life, and would often be found in his garden, golfing with friends, spending time with family at Woodsmoke Ranch in Seneca, Il, or relishing good times in Florida and Door County.

Gary was born in Chicago to the late Roland and Eleanore (nee Maes) Berner and raised in Tinley Park, Il on the beloved family farm. Gary was a retired Professional Civil Engineer with H.O.H., in which he was employed for 43 years. He was an alumni of St. Joseph's College, where he majored in mathematics and physics, and The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He was a current Commissioner with The Village of New Lenox Plan Commission.

The family will receive friends at Kurtz Memorial Chapel 102 E. Francis Rd, New Lenox on Friday, June 2, 2017 from 3pm – 8pm. Funeral Service Saturday, June 3, 2017 with prayers in the funeral home at 9:30am then to St. Jude Catholic Church, New Lenox for Mass of Christian Burial at 10:00am. Interment Maplewood Cemetery, New Lenox.