Colin Lloyd Berning
November 22, 2007 - February 12, 2020
Obituary
VERONA - Colin L. Berning, age 12, passed away on Wednesday, Feb. 12, 2020, at the American Family Children’s Hospital in the loving arms of his parents due to complications from Sanfilippo Syndrome and Influenza. He was born on Thanksgiving Day, Nov. 22, 2007, in Madison, the oldest son of Ross Berning and Hilary O'Connell-Berning. Colin participated in studies to help work towards a cure for Sanfilippo. He was one of the first children to attend and graduate from Gio's Garden. He was a sixth grader at Badger Ridge in Verona. He loved school and all of his friends and classmates. He had the chance to go on a Make a Wish trip to Sesame Street in New York. Colin loved fire trucks, Barney, and playing ball. He was a wonderful big brother to his twin brothers.
Colin is survived by his two brothers, Nolan and Simon; his parents; great-grandpa Ham; grandparents, Lloyd and Janet Berning and James and Connie O’Connell; aunts and uncles, Darin, Lois, Michelle, Al, Julie, Bryan, Tim and Staci; cousins, Clara, Brad, Ryan, Renee, Kaitlin, Ashley and Mia; and special friends, Levi, Tyler, Ethan, Carter, McKenzie Meyer, Jared White and Jennifer Williams. He was preceded in death by his close Sanfilippo buddies, Austin, Lucas, and Lukie.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at ST. MARIA GORETTI CATHOLIC CHURCH, 5313 Flad Ave., Madison, at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, Feb. 18, 2020, with Father Scott Emerson and Father Jay Poster presiding. Burial will be held at Verona Cemetery. Visitation will be held at GUNDERSON FITCHBURG FUNERAL AND CREMATION CARE, 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, from 3 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Monday, Feb. 17, 2020, and also at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the Mass on Tuesday.
We would like to thank our family, Colin’s complex care team and the PICU staff at AFCH, BRMS and Country View classmates and staff, our Wisconsin Sanfilippo families, and everyone who is a part of Colin’s Crew.
Memorials in Colin’s name may be made to www.curesanfilippofoundation.org or Gio’s Garden. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson Fitchburg
Funeral & Cremation Care
2950 Chapel Valley Road
(608) 442-5002
Events
Visitation
Mon Feb 17, 2020 @ 3:00 PM - 8:00 PM CDT
Gunderson Funeral and Cremation Care - Fitchburg • 2950 Chapel Valley Road, Fitchburg, WI 53711
Visitation
Tue Feb 18, 2020 @ 9:30 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church • 5313 Flad Ave, Madison, WI null
Mass of Christian Burial
Tue Feb 18, 2020 @ 11:00 AM CDT
St. Maria Goretti Catholic Church • 5313 Flad Ave, Madison, WI null
Photos
Memories
MS
Mary Stoffel
Other •
What a beautiful boy, and what a great life you gave him while you all struggled with his Sanfillipo diagnosis. Only love for this brave boy! So very sorry for your heartache; please know that there is lots of love left for all of you. ~Mary Stoffel
EM
Ellen McAllister
Other •
Colin brought so many people together and had so much love in his life. Our hearts are breaking for your loss. We are proud to forever be a part of Colin's Crew. Forever in our hearts <3, this amazing boy, for his spirit will live on in the hearts of many. Wishing you all peace, love and many beautiful memories. ~ Ellen & John McAllister
AB
Amy Burdette
Other •
My heart aches for you and your family and all of the lives that were touched by this wonderful child. Colin brought out the best in many people, especially his classmates. My son was in Colin's class for three years at Country View and I have such fond memories of Matthew sharing stories of Colin with compassion, inclusion, and friendship. In elementary school, long past Matthew's interest in Sesame Street and firetrucks, Matthew always had a kind heart, on the lookout for an Elmo or fire truck that Colin would like. I hope all of the love, fond memories, and smiles bring you comfort during this difficult time.
TH
Trish Holm
Other •
Hillary and Ross you were such fantastic loving parents to Colin. There are not enough words to describe how you are feeling, but do know this-there are people all around the country putting your family in their prayers. Your family has touched so many lives in ways you may never know. God Bless. Trish Holm-Melbourne, Florida