MELVYN A. "MEL" BERNA

Melvyn A. "Mel" Berna of West Dundee Melvyn A. " Mel " Berna, 71, passed away on Tuesday, July 26, 2011, at the Specialty Select Hospital in West Allis, Wis., from injuries due to a fall. His wife Sue was at his side. Mel was born in Elgin on July 11, 1940. He was the son of the late Andrew A. and Dorothy (nee Day) Berna. Mel was a lifelong resident of the Dundee area, a 1958 graduate of Dundee Community High School and a 1962 graduate of Cornell College, Mt. Vernon, Iowa. Mel also had completed graduate work at both Northern Illinois University and the University of Iowa. For many years, Mel had a career as a technical writer and had been employed in sales and marketing for Woodruff & Edwards in Elgin and MultiFilm Packaging of Wiesbaden, Germany. Currently, he was co-owner and operator along with his wife of the Lady Bug Lane Gift Store in West Dundee. Mel was an avid animal lover and avid golfer. He was a 40+ year member of the Haeger Golf League. Mel had a very strong commitment to family, friends and the community. He held several volunteer and leadership roles in both Dundee and Wisconsin. Mel was a longtime member and former vestry member of the St. James Episcopal Church in West Dundee. He was a United States Army and National Guard veteran. Mel is survived by his loving wife and best friend of 46 years, Susan L. (nee Down). Mel and Sue married on Feb. 6, 1965. His sister, Ella Mae (Richard) Crabb of Bethel, Wash.; and his brother-in-law, Larry (Betty) Rupp of Cave Creek, Ariz. Mel is also survived by his nieces and nephews; and countless good and faithful friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. Family and friends will gather for funeral services on Saturday, July 30, at 11 a.m. in the St. James Episcopal Church, West Dundee with the Rev. Donald Frye, Rector, officiating. Interment will be private. Visitation will be held on Friday from 4 to 8 p.m. in the Miller Funeral Home, West Dundee, and again on Saturday morning from 10 a.m. at the church until the time of the service. Please omit flowers. Memorials may be made to any of these favorite charities of Mel, the ASCAP; the Anderson Animal Shelter of South Elgin or St. Jude Children's Research Hospital. For information, 847-426-3436.