Dr. Paul H. Berns, 83, of Breese, died Friday, November 14, 2008, at Caring First in Breese. He was born May 31, 1925 in Aviston, son of Anton and Elizabeth (Imming) Berns. He married Shirley Susanka on June 21, 1947 in St. Louis, MO and she survives in Breese.

In addition to his wife, he is survived by two daughters, Kathleen (James) Schurman of Breese and Laurie (Bill) Lampen of Highland; four grandchildren, Tyler Huelskamp, Katherine Huelskamp, Nicholas Lampen and Alison Lampen.

He was preceded in death by his parents, one brother, Victor Berns, two sisters, Catherine E. Berns and Virginia Kuenne, a brother-in-law, Glenn Kuenne and a sister-in-law, Beatrice Berns, and his father-in-law and mother-in-law, William and Ida Susanka.

Dr. Berns was a member of St. Dominic Parish in Breese, the American Legion Post 252 for 56 years, the Breese Knights of Columbus Council 2869, the Illinois Chiropractic Society, and the American Chiropractic Association. He worked as a Doctor of Chiropractic for 37 years. After his retirement he went on to be President of the State Bank of Aviston in Aviston, IL. He was a veteran of the United States Army serving during WWII and fought in the Battle of the Bulge in the 1^st group to liberate the Dachau Concentration Camp. He was awarded the Bronze Star.

A funeral mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 a.m. Monday, November 17, 2008 at St. Francis Catholic Church in Aviston with Rev. Dan Friedman officiating. Interment will follow at St. Francis Cemetery in Aviston.

Friends may call from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. Sunday, November 16, 2008 and from 8 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. Monday, November 17, 2008 at Hempen Funeral Home in Aviston. There will be a prayer service at 4 p.m., the Knights of Columbus will visit at 7 p.m. and the American Legion at 7:30 p.m. all Sunday evening at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to Heartland Hospice or Clinton County Relay For Life and will be received at the funeral home.