Ann Berns
February 10, 2011
Ann (Peters) Berns, 60, of West Des Moines, died Thursday, February 10, 2011, at Kavanagh House. She was born March 5, 1950, in Dubuque, IA, to James and Jean (Jackman) Peters. She graduated St. Patrick’s Catholic Grade School (1964) and MFL Community High School (1968) in Monona, IA; American Institute of Business (1970) in Des Moines, IA. She was united in marriage to Duane F. Berns on December 5, 1970, at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Monona by Rev. Donald G. Heineman.
She devoted her life to her loving and patient husband, Duane, and to her three children. She retired in 2004 after working 32 years as a professional secretary. Education for her children was very important to Ann, and she was very proud that all three of her children graduated from Dowling High School and the University of Iowa.
She loved entertaining her family and friends, spending time with her children and grandchildren, cooking and traveling. She also enjoyed just taking off for a ride in the car on Sunday afternoon with Duane and exploring.
Survivors include her husband, Duane of West Des Moines, IA; her three children, Nathan (Jessica) Berns of Alpharetta, GA, Neil (Angie) Berns of West Des Moines, IA, and Nicole (Matthew) (Berns) Chumbley of Chicago IL; her five grandchildren, Tanner and Paige Berns of Alpharetta, GA, Riley and Tate Berns of West Des Moines, IA, and baby Chumbley due in August of Chicago, IL; her three brothers, Michael (Elizabeth) Peters of Ottumwa, IA, Stephen (Janet) Peters of Kansas City, MO, Mark (Susan) Peters of Overland Park, KS; and her two sisters, Therese (Don) Shinn of Kansas City, MO, Joan Chastain of Oak Grove, MO.
Ann is preceded in death by her parents, Jean Ellen Jackman Peters (March 1972) and James Leo Peters (May 1982).
Visitation will be 5 to 7 p.m. Sunday, February 13, 2011, with a rosary service at 7 p.m. at Sacred Heart Catholic Church, 1627 Grand Avenue, West Des Moines. Memorial service will be 11 a.m. Monday, February 14, 2011, at the church.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to: Berns Family Endowment at Dowling Catholic High School, 1400 Buffalo Road, West Des Moines, Iowa 50265-1699.
www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com
Don Peterson and family
02/13/2011
Berns family,
I was so sorry and saddened to receive the call from Nate today informing us of Ann's death. I know she is in a better place and not suffering anymore. You are in our thought and prayers. Please know we are thinking of you and again are very, very sorry for your loss.
Don and Anne Peterson and kids.
Wendy and Justin Farrell
02/13/2011
You are all in our thoughts and prayers and prayers during this difficult time. Ann will be missed. Stay strong.
Love,
The Farrell Family