Doris Berns

Doris Ann Berns, 79, of Harpers Ferry passed away Thursday, November 12, 2020 at Thornton Manor in Lansing. A private mass will be held at St. Ann-St. Joseph Catholic Church, Harpers Ferry. A private burial will be held at St. Joseph - Paint Rock Cemetery, Harpers Ferry. Cards or notes of condolences can be sent to: 1479 Dalby Hollow Road, Waterville, IA 52170.

Doris was born in New Albin July 26, 1941 to Bernard and Lucille (Troendle) Mauss. She attended New Albin Grade School and graduated from New Albin High School in 1959. Doris attended Wisconsin Technology College for accounting and data entry in La Crosse, WI after graduating from high school.

Doris met her husband, Charles Cletus Berns, in 1959 and they were married November 15, 1960. Charles and Doris owned and operated the family farm near Harpers Ferry, where they raised their family.

Doris was a devoted housewife and mother. She was a member of St. Ann-St. Joseph Catholic Church in Harpers Ferry where she was the bookkeeper, organist, vocalist, faith formation leader, and a member of ACCW. Doris was also a very active member of CEW for many years along with being a member of the Allamakee Antique Auto Club.

Doris enjoyed baking, and was famous for her blackberry pie. She also enjoyed reading, bible study, traveling, movies, and being a 4-H leader for several years.

Doris is survived by her 11 children: Ann (Mike) Buchholz of Mondovi, WI, Margaret (Keith) Burrett of Monona, Charles (Peggy) Berns of Waterville, Colleen (Myron) Wilburn of Milwaukee, WI, Bernadette Wiedmeyer (Derrick Lewis) of San Antonio, TX, Gail (Paul) Whalen of New Albin, Kathy (Dave) Moritz of Lansing, Becky (Jeff) Rideout of Oconomowoc, WI, Millie (Corey) Richards of Lansing, Peter (Rhonda) Berns of Lansing and Mark (Kristin) Berns of Harpers Ferry; 28 grandchildren; five great-grandchildren; three sisters, Mary Benson of Sun City, AZ, Patty Wellendorf of Lansing and Rita Sanchez of La Crosse, WI; two brothers, Larry (Deb) of La Crosse, WI and Dale (Lori) Mauss of New Albin; one brother-in-law, Tom (Deb) Berns of La Crescent, MN; and many cousins, nieces, nephews and friends.

Doris was preceded in death by her husband, Charles; her parents, Bernard and Lucille Mauss; two grandchildren, Matthew and Layne; one brother, David; one sister-in-law, Suzie; and five brothers-in-law, Bernard Berns, Cletus Berns, Jim Benson, Jim Wellendorf and Jim Sanchez.

Thornburg-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, Lansing is helping the family with the arrangements.