Kenneth Berninger

Kenneth John Berninger, age 58, of Streator, IL, passed away on Wednesday, Feb 6th, 2019 at OSF St Elizabeth in Ottawa, IL, surrounded by family.

Ken was born on July 26, 1960, the second son of James and Carol (Rowe) Berninger in Streator, IL. He attended Wenona High School and graduated in 1978. He joined the Illinois Army National Guard shortly thereafter and made it his career. Ken served proudly in Operation Desert Shield/Desert Storm in 1990-1991. He retired in Feb 2011 with the distinguished rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CW4). He was a lifetime member of VFW Post #1301 in Marion, IL, and also a member of the American Legion. Ken was a man of all trades. He enjoyed woodworking, NASCAR, grilling out, military documentaries, westerners and riding his Harley. He was always willing to help those in need, putting everyone's needs before his own. He knew life was short, and lived it to the fullest!

Mr Berninger is survived by a daughter, Tesha (Nathan) Nevin, and grandchildren, Hannah, Aaydn and Zoe, of Streator, IL; a son, Aaron Berninger of Streator, IL; brothers: Jim Berninger of Streator, IL; Mike (Susie) Berninger of Pana, IL; Dan (Melanie) Berninger of Crawfordsville, IN; Dave Berninger of Streator, IL; Tim (Mary) Berninger of Streator, IL; Tom Berninger of Streator, IL, and several nieces and nephews. He is also survived by Julie (Wolf) Duvall, his second ex-wife, mother of Tiffany and Aaron.

He was preceded in death by his parents, James and Carol (Rowe) Berninger; a daughter, Tiffany Berninger; a sister Lori Safarcyk; and his first ex-wife, Christine (Katanich) Berninger. Mother of Tesha.

Burial will be at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL at a later date with full military honors.

Memorials may be made to the family.