Bernard Berta

Bernard Michael Berta

"Barney"

Age 88 and a life long resident of Coal City, passed away Wednesday September 2, 2009 at Heritage Manor in Dwight.

Born June 6, 1921 in Coal City, Bernard was a son of the late Joseph, Jr. and Jessie Faletti-Berta. He was raised and educated in Coal City and was a graduate of Coal City High School with the Class of 1939. On May 12, 1946, Barney married Mardeen Boggio in Assumption Catholic Church, and together they have lived their entire married life in Coal City. Barney studied music at Vandercook College in Chicago and aside from farming his entire life and working for Caterpillar Tractor Company in Joliet for 18 years, was a well-known certified piano tuner for many years throughout the area. Barney was a member of Assumption Catholic Church in Coal City, where he was involved with the choir and coached basketball at the grade school, member of the Faletti Orchestra, the Coal City Lions Club, the Knights of Columbus and the Holy Name Society. He was also a proud Republican who served with dedication on the Grundy County Board for three terms. Barney was an avid Chicago Cub's fan who enjoyed attending their spring trainings in Arizona and was a friend to all who knew him. Barney took great pride in attending all of his children and grandchildren's activities and events and will always be remembered as a devoted father and papa.

Survivors include his loving wife Mardeen; four children: Michael (Cindy) Berta and Charlie Berta, both of Coal City, Mary Jean (Dave) Tures of Little Rock, Arkansas and Amy (Keith) Giordano of Coal City; (10) grandchildren: Jason (Colleen) Berta of Coal City, Todd (Cara) Berta of St. Louis, Missouri, Teresa Tures of Burlington, North Carolina, Jenny (Ryan) Petersen of Chattanooga, Tennessee, Matthew Tures, Joshua Tures, Megan Tures, Anna Tures and Kirsten Tures, all of Little Rock, Arkansas and Alex Giordano of Coal City; (5) great grandchildren: Nicholas, Brant, Keaton, Thad and Addison; one sister Jessica (the late Leroy) Brandt of Gardner and one brother-in-law Gordon Palmberg of Thomasboro, Illinois, as well as numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

Barney was preceded in death by his parents; one grandson Thad; one sister Verna Palmberg and one brother Joseph, III (Evelyn) Berta.

Visitation and Video Tribute will be held on Friday September 4, 2009 between the hours of 4:00PM and 8:00PM at Reeves Funeral Home, 75 North Broadway (one block North of Illinois Route 113) in Coal City.

Funeral services will follow on Saturday September 5th at 9:30AM in Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary Roman Catholic Church, 245 South Kankakee Street in Coal City, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Reverend Robert Noesen officiating.

Burial will be in Braceville-Gardner Cemetery and pallbearers will be: Jason Berta, Todd Berta, Ryan Petersen, Matthew Tures, Joshua Tures and Alex Giordano.

Preferred memorials may be made as gifts in Barney's memory to his family for distribution to local charities of their choosing.

Friends may sign the online guest book or send private condolences to the family by logging onto: www.ReevesFuneral.com

Funeral services and arrangements have been made under the direction of Reeves Funeral Homes, Ltd. in Coal City. (815/634-2125)