Herman Berneking, 80

Herman "Herm" Fredrick Berneking, 80, of Superior, passed away on Nov. 18, 2024 after a two-and-a-half-year battle with mesothelioma lung cancer.

Herm was born Jan. 22, 1944 in Fargo, N.D., the son of Edwin Berneking and Ruth (McConnell) Berneking.

The family moved from Fargo to Superior in the spring of 1947 where Herm graduated from Superior High School in 1962. He joined the Navy shortly after, where he served until he was honorably discharged in 1968.

After working for a trucking company for a few years, in 1971 Herm started work for BNSF and was with them until retiring back to Superior in 2003. During his retired years, Herm was an active member of the Superior community that he loved so much. He stayed busy, joining the Superior Senior Center where he served for a time as the president. He was also a part of the Mineral County Community Foundation, and an active member of VFW Post 6238 where he served as a chaplain. 

A couple of his proudest accomplishments were starting a scholarship for Superior High School in his mother's name and helping to obtain a vehicle for Disabled Veterans to get to appointments, which he often drove himself until he was no longer able.

Sports were another favorite pastime of Herm's, and anyone who knew him, knew his love for the Montana Grizzlies. He volunteered taking stats for the football team for 30+ years, and would also travel to their away games and national championships, if they were lucky enough to make it. Along with that, he would attend men's and women's basketball games, and volunteer at track meets in the Spring.

Herm is survived by his son Zack, his brothers Bill, David, and Leroy, his nieces and nephews Dawn Ihle, Shawn Feltus, Bryan Bennett, and Kali Stroot.

Friends and family of Herman's will remember him as a caring man, who would help those in need, or offer advice where he could. Thank you all for calling, stopping in to see him, cooking meals and helping him through his battle. It meant the world to him, and he couldn't have fought for as long without your support.

A graveside service will be held at 1 p.m. on Dec. 15 at the Superior Cemetery, with wake to follow at the Superior High School at 3 p.m.