Benjamin J. "Benjie" Berno, 76, of Wakefield, passed away unexpectedly early Thursday morning, Oct. 27, 2011.

He was born on Sept. 28, 1935, in Wakefield, son of the late Bennie and Cecelia (Radowski) Berno. Ben graduated from Hurley High School on May 29, 1953.

He proudly served in the U.S. Navy from Feb. 1, 1956, to Dec. 2, 1957.

Ben worked at Wally Curik Dairy Co. as a delivery driver, at White Pine Copper Co. for more than 20 years as a driller and blaster, at Indianhead Mountain as a shuttle driver and at Holiday Station in Wakefield as a janitor. He was also a social helper at Sunday Lake Supermarket in Wakefield.

Benjie enjoyed fishing, hunting, walking with his dog, Skipper and most of all he loved watching the Green Bay Packers.

Ben is survived by his beloved wife, Mary, whom he married on
Sept. 20, 1958; a son, Benjamin R., Iron Mountain; three daughters, Debbie (Byron) Buitendorp, Grand Haven, Donna (Denny) Bessa, Arbor Vitae, Wis., and Sherry Berno, Wakefield; 10 grandchildren, Melanie, Stephanie, Carl, Harmonie, Madison, Bridgette, Brittney, Michael, Devin and Courtney; and five great-grandchildren, Noah, Tiffanie, Calvin, Carter and Taylor.

Visitation will be Saturday, Oct. 29, from 1 to 2 p.m., with the honor guard beginning at 1:15 p.m., at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Wakefield, where a Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 2 p.m., with the Rev. Joy J. Adimakkeel officiating.

Following the Mass, military honors will take place at the church under the auspices of American Legion Post 11 and the Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 9084.

A luncheon will be held at the church following the military rites.

Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., Wakefield is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at lakesidememorialchapel.com.