William "Bill" A. Berning, 91, of Fort Wayne, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, October 18th, 2023 at his home. Bill was a lifelong resident of Fort Wayne. He was a graduate of Concordia Lutheran High School. He attended Valparaiso University where he met Carol Amling. He received his JD from Valparaiso Law School. Bill was a member of the Allen County Bar Association. He served as a State Representative of the Indiana House, and as a Circuit Court Judge of Allen County Juvenile Division. Bill also practiced law alongside his brother at Berning and Berning Law Office. He was a recipient of the Sagamore of the Wabash presented to him by Governor Bowen. Bill was a founding member of the Concordia Education Foundation and was an inductee of the Concordia Athletic Hall of Fame. Bill was a member of Holy Cross Lutheran Church. He humbly volunteered his legal services to many Lutheran organizations.
Bill is survived by his loving wife of 69 years, Carol; daughter, Lee Ann Berning; special family friend, Rita LeFavour; sons, William (Nancy) Berning, and Mark (Krista) Berning; grandchildren, Megan, Katherine, Jaclyn, Gwen, and Samantha; 3 great grandchildren; and a special recognition to his caregiver, Linda Rohr.
He was preceded in death by his parents Henry and Alma Berning; siblings, Robert, Norman, Ruth, and Henry.
Funeral service will take place on Monday October 23rd 2023 at 1 pm with visitation beginning at 11 am, all at FairHaven Funeral Home and Cremation Services, 6557 N. Clinton St. Burial will follow at Concordia Cemetery Gardens. Preferred memorials in Bill's honor may be directed to Concordia Lutheran High School or Holy Cross Lutheran Church.