Bradley J. Berns

Bradley John Berns, 29, of Clermont died Wednesday, June 11, 2014. Mass of Christian Burial was held Monday, June 16 at St. Bridget Catholic Church, Postville, with Rev. Greg Bahl as the Celebrant. Burial followed at Smith Cemetery, Postville.
Brad was born August 19, 1984 to Richard and Cindy (Kerr) Berns in Postville. He graduated from Postville High School in 2003. While growing up he enjoyed helping on the family farm, playing sports, participating in FFA, and working for various businesses in the community.
He attended and received his B.A. degree in 2007 from Wartburg College, Waverly. His interest in business began while working at Rada Manufacturing in Waverly. He then attended and received his M.A. degrees from the University of Iowa in Hospital Care Administration and Business Administration. Upon graduation from Iowa, he worked at the Iowa City VA Hospital before beginning his fellowship career in healthcare administration at Children’s Hospital in Milwaukee, WI.
Brad was united in marriage with Bridget Nelson January 3, 2009 at West Clermont Lutheran Church, Clermont. In 2013 they moved back to northeast Iowa to begin farming on the Nelson Family Farm. January of 2014 he, along with his brother-in-law Cody, formed the TriGen Partnership. Farming was his lifelong dream and passion. He thrived on building the farm and his relationships with Cody, “the guys”, and the community. A common theme from his lips was “I love farming and I could do it all hours of the day”.
Brad’s other interests included riding his Harley, being with family and friends, fishing, hunting and watching sports. Brad’s love of flying began as a young child with his grandfather, he was ecstatic to earn his pilot’s license in 2013. He was looking forward to investing in his own airplane and traveling the Midwest. Most of all, he enjoyed spending time with his dog/sidekick, Allie, and Bridget.
Brad is survived by his wife, Bridget of Clermont; his dog, Allie; his parents, Richard and Cindy Berns of Postville; two sisters, Stacy (Cory) Miner of Postville and Becky Berns (friend, Zach Steffans) of Postville; his grandparents, Keith and Verta Kerr of Postville; his father- and mother-in-law, Mark and Denise Nelson of Clermont; a sister-in-law, Kirstin (Cody) Lerch of Clermont; a brother-in-law, Chad Nelson of St. Louis, MO; two nieces, Regan and Avery; and many other family and friends.
Brad was preceded in death by his paternal grandparents, Leo and Lucille Berns; and an uncle, Gene Berns.
Brad touched many peoples’ lives with his contagious enthusiasm and outgoing personality. His generosity was evident in his desire to be an organ donor. He was loved by so many people who will continue to cherish his memory and keep his spirit alive.
Schutte-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Postville is helping the family with the arrangements.