Jerome Berning

November 29, 1954 - June 17, 2020

Tom Berning passed away peacefully on the morning of Wednesday, June 17, 2020. Tom was born in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on November 29, 1954. He was 65 years old at the time of his death. He is preceded in death by his mother, Anne Charlotte Robbins. He is survived by his father, Jerry (Ellen) Berning, brother Chris (JoAnne) Berning, and sisters Mary Berning (Jill Repplinger), Pamela Passow, and Laura Berning Newman. Also by his son, Bud Berning, and daughters, Gabrielle (Ricardo) Garcia, and Violet Berning, several grandchildren, and nephews and nieces. Tom is also survived by some who were special to him in other ways, including Katie Giglio, Jeanne Decker, Johnny Shelton, and Heather Howard. Tom was a gifted artist who painted and enjoyed reading and expanding his knowledge of art and culture. He loved to spend time in the yard and plant flowers. He especially enjoyed time spent with his grandchildren. They brought him so much joy and laughter and were the light of his life. Prior to his retirement, Tom worked as a chef at many large venues. He loved to tell the story of when he was Executive Sous Chef at the RCA Dome in Indianapolis, how he would sneak down on the sidelines during Colts’ games just to watch. He worked as Executive Chef at Van Andel Arena in Grand Rapids and Safeco Field in Seattle. He would often travel to other venues to help out for special events. But one of his most beloved jobs was early in his career when he worked at the famous Shapiro’s Deli in Indianapolis under Max Shapiro himself. Tom was an outgoing individual who prided himself on giving a hand up to those in need. He never turned away any job applicant, stating that everyone deserves a chance and that every human is equally deserving of the same dignity. A funeral service will be held on Tuesday, June 23, 2020, at 10:00 am at Arsulowicz Brothers Mortuary, located at 3525 Remembrance Road NW, Grand Rapids, MI, 49534. Visitation will be held for one half hour prior to the funeral. Interment at Holy Cross Cemetery (2000 Walker Avenue NW) will be immediately following. The funeral will be live streamed for those who cannot attend. To view, visit https://www.arsulowiczbrothers.com/ and click the link on Tom’s obituary page.