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Bradley Roy Berner, age 64, of Avoca, passed away on October 16, 2023 at his home surrounded by family. In keeping up with his always early personality, he entered heaven far too soon. However, he put up a tough fight for the past few months battling cancer with his family, and many friends by his side. His final act of kindness was donating his organs for pancreatic cancer research.

He was born on January 18, 1959, in Lincoln, Nebraska, to his parents Lesley and Laverta (Rohlfs) Berner. He was raised on the family farm near Avoca, Nebraska where he still resided at the time of his passing. One of his greatest passions was farming and working the land. Upon his graduation from Syracuse High School in 1977, he began farming with his father on the family farm. He was a third generation farmer dating back to 1916, when his great grandfather started the family farm. He devoted his 64 years on this earth to being an amazing farmer, and spent those years with his father and son by his side. Although he worked hard, he also found time for vacations with family and friends and never missed a chance at a card game downtown.

Though farming was one of his greater passions, his true passion belonged to being a wonderful husband, father, and grandpa to his five grandchildren. During his school years in Syracuse he met his highschool sweetheart, Robin (Holscher). After months of persuasion she finally agreed to go on a date and the rest is history. On October 14, 1978 they wed in Avoca, Nebraska at North Branch Church. To this union they were blessed with two children, Brandon and Chantelle. He spent his younger years with his children, making many wonderful memories that included, 4-H, Worlds-of-Fun vacations, camping trips, and going on many other adventures.  In 2008 he became a grandpa, or "papa" and he never missed an opportunity to be by his grandkids' sides. Whether it be at a school event, family pool day, vacation, or a sleepover, he was always his grandkids' biggest supporter.

Brad was also a lifetime member of First Lutheran Church North Branch of Avoca, NE. Over the years he served on many committees and served on the church council as chair of the property board at the time of his passing. He enjoyed attending church with his family and singing Silent Night by candlelight with his grandchildren on Christmas Eve. Brad also enjoyed the Otoe County Fair and served on the Fair Board for many years. He loved helping his kids and eventually his grandkids work with 4H cattle and show at the fair each year.

Along with Robin, his wife of 45 years, he is survived by his son Brandon (Becca) Berner of Syracuse and daughter Chantelle (Aaron) Schroeder of Avoca and his five grandchildren Hadyn and Mason Berner and Jackson, Presley, and Carter Schroeder. He is also survived by his brothers Fred (Phyllis) Berner, Steve (Julie) Berner and sisters Brenda (Bill) Copley, Betty (Jim) Fries, his mother-in-law Shirley Honeycutt, Robins siblings Kim, Candy, and Butch, many nieces and nephews and friends. He was preceded in death by his grandparents, parents and father-in-law Bill Holscher.

Funeral services will be held on Friday, October 20 at 10:30 a.m. at the First Lutheran Church (North Branch) in rural Avoca. The service will be livestreamed on the First Lutheran Youtube page. Burial will follow at the First Lutheran Cemetery.

Visitation will be held on Thursday, October 19 from 9 a.m. until 8 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6-8 p.m. at the funeral home in Syracuse.

Arrangements By: Fusselman Allen Harvey Funeral Home, Syracuse, NE 402-269-2441

Condolences to www.fusselmanallenharvey.com