Brian Robert Berner

BELDEN — Brian Robert Berner, 51, Belden, died unexpectedly May 6, 2020, of natural causes at his home in Belden.

A restricted visitation was held Sunday at Johnson Funeral Home, Randolph.

Private funeral services were May 11 at St. John’s Lutheran Church, Randolph.

Interment was in the Randolph Cemetery, Randolph, with Rev. Trudy Powell officiating.

Pallbearers were Riley Berner, Sam Prill, Paul Loberg, Tony Walz, Doyle Brunssen, Tom Bauer, Forrest Dendinger, Darrell Dominiack and Kevin Pfanstiel.

Brian was born Jan. 22, 1969, at Osmond, the middle child of Robert and Clarette (Kruger) Berner. He grew up in Belden and was heavily involved in Boy Scouts and 4-H during those years. He graduated from Randolph High School in 1987, and began working in Yellowstone National Park. He then attended Chadron State College. He returned to Belden to work in the family business which he managed since 2001 until his death.

Brian married Nicole Schnell Sept. 6, 1997, at St. Jane Frances de Chantal Catholic Church, Randolph. The couple spent most of their married life in Belden where Brian served on the Village Board acting as Chairman for a number of years, volunteered on the Belden Fire Department and most recently served as the chairman of the Belden Q125 celebration. However, Brian’s biggest passion was hunting and fishing. He loved to talk and would often call unexpectedly to chat about lots of topics, especially where the fish were biting. If you saw Brian, you usually also saw Manny who spent every day with him at the elevator.

He leaves behind his wife, Nicole Berner, and his mother, Clarette Berner, both of Belden; a sister, Robin Spence, Norfolk; a brother, Brent and Amy Berner, Norfolk; nieces and nephews, Brooke Spence, Riley and Halle Berner, all of Norfolk.

He is preceded in death by his father, Bob; his paternal and maternal grandparents.