Francis “Fritz” Berns
Francis “Fritz” Berns died on Dec. 9, 2023, after a long and full life.
He was born Dec. 18, 1931, on the family farm outside Garnavillo, to Anton and Elizabeth (Wolter) Berns, the youngest of eight children. Several years after graduating from high school he enlisted in the Air Force. Once basic training was completed in 1953 at Parks Air Force Base in Haywood, Calif., he continued on to advanced individual training at Lowry Air Force Base in Aurora, Colo.
Fritz met the love of his life, Eleanor, at the Denver Dancing Academy in downtown Denver in 1953. It was love at first sight and they were married at Assumption Church on May 9, 1954. After their wedding, they moved to Sioux City where Fritz was stationed at the Sioux City Air Force Base. He concluded his service with an honorable discharge and moved to Colorado to raise their growing family in Denver. After retiring from Lockheed Martin, Fritz and Eleanor created many memories exploring the world. They really enjoyed celebrating holidays and other special occasions with their family. Fritz and Eleanor were married for 65 years until Eleanor began her eternal life on Jan. 8, 2020.
Fritz was a high-spirited person and told entertaining stories. He had very strong values and was well liked by everyone, mostly due to his positive energy. Even in his last days, he told stories from throughout his life. He was clever and full to the brim with knowledge gained through all of his life experiences. He had a green thumb and loved working in his garden, camping, cycling in the Ride the Rockies, grilling, fishing and showing his 1967 Mustang in car shows. He had a talent to fix or build anything.
Fritz’s memories will be forever cherished by his children, Donna (Tim), Dave (Kristen), and Rick (Nita); grandchildren, Jaime (Nate), Shayne (Taylor), Derek (Alyssa), Jeff (Garrette), Nadine (Caleb) and Ian (Vyanka); ten great grandchildren, Kaelie, Charli, Hudson, Shelby, Griffin, Caleb, Hadley, Gunnar, Joanna and Wesley; along with numerous nieces, nephews and friends.
He was preceded in death by his wife, Eleanor; his parents; brothers, Leon and Anthony “Tony”; sisters, Gertrude, Lucille, Catherine “Kay”, Rosemary and Rita; and granddaughter, Kacie.
