Robert Berns

Robert J. Berns, 72, of Lafayette, died at the Indiana University Medical Center 11:47 P.M. Tuesday September 9, 2008, where he had been a patient since August 28. Born in LaPorte, Indiana August 10, 1936, the son of the late Robert F. and Henrietta Thompson Berns, he was a graduate of Rochester, IN. High School and Purdue University with a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering. He married Geri Hittle at St. Mary's Cathedral in Lafayette June 10, 1960, and she survives. Mr. Berns was a civil engineer, first for the Illinois Department of Transportation, and later with Mc Mahan-O'Connor Construction of Rochester, Indiana as a project manager for highway construction. He later spent 3 years in Saudi Arabia also as a project manager of highway maintenance. Surviving beside his wife is a daughter, Julie Sloma (husband John) of Carmel, Indiana; a son R. John Berns (wife Amy) of Williamsburg, VA.; a brother David T. Berns (wife Roberta) of Cleveland, Ohio; and 2 sisters, Carol Coursey (husband Douglas) of Petosky, Michigan; and Virginia Tarney (husband Keith) of Newark, CT. Friends may call at the Hahn-Groeber Funeral Home, 1104 Columbia St. one hour prior to the service at 11:00 A.M. Monday, Father Dan Gartland officiating. Interment St. Mary's Cemetery. Also surviving are 3 grandchildren and 2 step-grandchildren. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the charity of the donor's choice. www.hahngroeberfuneralhome.com