James Anthony Berning Sr., 90, of Owatonna, died on Sunday, April 19, 2026, at Fairview Care Center.

He was born on the family farm southwest of Lismore on July 27, 1935, to the late Henry and Louise (Farwick) Berning, the youngest of seven children. He attended St. Anthony Catholic School in Lismore until the 8th grade, when he then stayed home to help his father on the farm. Jim enlisted into the United States Army where he later received his GED. During his military service, Jim was stationed at several bases: Ft Carson in Colorado, Ft. Chaffee in Arkansas, Aberdeen Proving Ground in Maryland, and Ft. Richardson in Anchorage, AK.

While he was stationed, Jim was encouraged to correspond through letters with his future wife, Rita Reyant, and they would later marry on September 24, 1960, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna. After his honorable discharge, Jim worked for Safeway Co. in Adrian and in Owatonna for Nickerson Farms, Gandy Co. as a foreman in the parts department for 25 years, a security guard at Jostens', and retired from Federated Insurance after 11 years. During his retirement, Jim worked part-time for Owatonna Public School District as a custodian.

Jim was an avid traveler, taking many casino trips and traveling the United States with his family, his favorite being Colorado. He made sure they always stopped to visit the grandkids in Colorado and Kansas. His family remembers the fishing trips to Morristown and Canada that he took. Other things Jim enjoyed were playing Horseshoe and cards, especially Pinochle and later on Solitaire, Left Right Center, and Pool.

He is survived by his children: Kathy Withrow of Hutchinson, KS, Cheryl Berning of Ft. Collins, CO, Father James of Adams, Julie Magee of Ft. Collins, CO, and John of Owatonna; grandchildren, Ryan Withrow (fiancée, Tamara Krehbiel) Tony Withrow, Brandy (Tony) Moreno, and Erica Powers (fiancé, Josiah Stoddard); great-grandchildren, Skyla, Landon, and Arya Moreno, Nova and Aspen Powers, Thea Stoddard, Aurora Withrow, and Tyrell Krehbiel; sister-in-law, Barbara Antoine of California; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, friends, and co-workers.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Rita; son-in-law, Riley Withrow; and siblings, infant brother, Raphael, Lorraine (Ralph) Van Peursem, George (Doris) Berning, Edward (Dolores) Berning, Marie (Myron) Smeins, and Alvin (Gertrude) Berning; and many in-laws.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11am on Thursday, April 30, 2026, at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Owatonna. A visitation will be held from 5 to 7pm on Wednesday, April 29, at Michaelson Funeral Home with the rosary at 5pm and a prayer service at 6:45pm. An additional visitation will be held from 10am until the time of service. Interment will be at Sacred Heart Catholic Cemetery with full military honors.

Jim’s family would like to extend a sincere thank you to Fairview Care Center and St. Croix Hospice for their care and support.