John Louis "Uncle Louie" Berner

04/29/1914 - 05/14/2011

BERNER,
John Louis
"Uncle Louie"
(Age 97)

Passed away peacefully on May 14, 2011, in Colfax, Washington. He was born at the family homestead on April 29, 1914, in St. Andrews, WA to John and Maria Berner. After the family moved to Garfield, WA, John attended school and graduated from Garfield High School in 1934. He then attended Washington State College in Pullman, WA for three and a half years. Following his father's death, he returned to manage the family farm which was now located near Rosalia, WA. John farmed from 1937 until his retirement in 1979. He expressed amazement with the many changes in farming throughout these years, particularly with the increasing size of farms. John was an active member of the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Rosalia until moving to Colfax. He was a member of the Knights of Columbus for numerous years as well. John was an intelligent, avid follower of the stock market. He enjoyed fishing, gardening, road trips to Oregon in the fall, and long drives with his brother Gene. "Uncle Louie" loved playing cards, board games, homemade meals, and many happy times at the Marie Dowling farm. He was a strong man with a loving heart and steady, tender love toward his family. His remaining family of nieces and nephews will dearly miss his soft smile and gentle nature. Preceded in death by his twin brother Eugene, his sisters Margaret, Amelia, and Marie, brothers-in-law Bill Dowling and Bob David, nephew David Dowling and nephew-in-law Hans Henrickson. A lifelong bachelor, John is survived by nieces and nephews Joanne Barrette (Jack) of Plattsburgh, NY, Dianne Henrickson of Oakesdale, WA, Pat Dowling (Heidi) of Steptoe, WA, Mike Dowling (JoAnn) of Spokane, WA, Dennis Dowling of Rosalia, WA, Monica Schrader (Paul) of Rosalia, WA, and Sharon Loring (Gene) of Albany, OR. Survivors also include thirteen great nieces and nephews. A celebration of John's life will be held at the Holy Rosary Catholic Church in Rosalia, WA, with a rosary prayer service Wednesday, May 18, at 7:00 pm and Mass of Christian Burial on Thursday, May 19, at 10:00 am. Interment will follow at Holy Cross Cemetery. Memorials can be made to the Rosalia Volunteer Firefighter's Association, P.O. Box 291, Rosalia, WA, 99170. Arrangements are under the care of SCHANZENBACH FUNERAL HOME.