Sylvester "Si" Henry Berning, age 88, Sidney, passed away of natural causes early Monday morning, September 19, 2016, at the Dorothy Love Retirement Community in Sidney, Ohio.

He was born October 31, 1927, in Oran, Ohio, to the late Fred and Frances (Wuebker) Berning. On May 25, 1957, at Precious Blood Catholic Church in Chickasaw, Sylvester married Velma Ann (Homan) Berning who survives.

Also surviving are six children: Lois & Mike Kramer of Versailles, Theresa Berning & dear friend Mike Grillot of Versailles, Patrick & Alice Berning of Sidney, Ann Dircksen of Fort Loramie, Connie Tolbert of Anna and Dale & Kay Berning of Sidney; 13 Grandchildren: Angie Armstrong, Amy Gruden, Karen Kramer and Ashley Rohr, Jill & fiance Jason Seger, Lora and Keith Berning, Dustin Dircksen, Sara Tolbert, Adam, Rachel, Erik and Andrew Berning; 6 great-grandchildren: Kaylee and Ethan Armstrong, Allyson, Bryant and McKenna Gruden and Alexis Rohr; siblings: Norma Bergman of Botkins, Eugene & Irene Berning of St. Patrick, and Marie & James Theis of Sidney; brothers & sisters-in-laws: Donald Homan of St. Marys, Lillian Homan of New Bremen, Alvin Brown of New Bremen, Joann Homan of New Bremen and Leo Jr. & Diane Homan of Maria Stein.

He was preceded in death by a daughter, Janet Berning and a son-in-law, Gerard Dircksen; siblings: Andrew Berning, and Fred & Betty Berning; brothers & sisters-in-law: Nick Bergman, Maurice & Joann, Harold & Rosemary Homan, Dorothy & Anthony Brown, Arnold Homan, and Ruth Brown.

Mr. Berning had been engaged in dairy farming all of his working life. He was a member of Sacred Heart of Jesus Catholic Church and the McCartyville Knights of Columbus. He was a past member of the Shelby County Farm Bureau.

Si enjoyed visiting with his family, puzzles, playing cards and watching Reds baseball. Over the years, he cherished opportunities for a little fishing or traveling with Velma.

Mass of Christian Burial will be 10:30 AM, Thursday, September 22, 2016, at Sacred Heart of Jesus Church in McCartyville with Fr. Stephen Mondiek presiding. Interment will follow at the church cemetery.

Friends may call Wednesday 3:00 to 8:00 PM at Gehret Funeral Home in Fort Loramie and Thursday 9:00 to 10:00 am at the church.

Memorials may be made to Sacred Heart Church, Miami County Hospice or charity of donor's choice.

Private condolences may be expressed at www.gehretfuneralhome.com.