Ronald L. Berns

Ronald L. Berns, 82, of St. Charles and formerly of Barrington passed away Monday, January 6, 2020 at his home surrounded by his loving family.  Ron was born March 30, 1937 in Chicago, IL the son of Sam and Nita Berns.

Ron proudly served in the Marine Corps and went on to Depaul University and John Marshall Law School.  He was a successful private practice trial lawyer who ventured beyond law to become an accomplished real estate developer with his business partner, Vincent Solano, Jr.  Their projects ranged from retail shopping center development, a Michigan Log Cabin community, to several golf courses.  The most notable golf courses include Eagle Creek in Naples, Florida, Royal Fox Country Club in St. Charles, IL and Blacksheep Golf Club in Sugar Grove, IL.

Business accomplishments aside, Ron will be remembered by so many for his generosity, honesty, stories, humor and tireless energy. He was always moving, cooking, gardening, weeding, proofreading, editing and giving. Ron never tired of helping his children with various home and landscape projects. Ron’s friendships were ageless and equally valued. His opinions, perspectives and experiences were received and respected by all who knew him.

He is survived by his wife, Cathie Berns; his five children-Steve Berns, Julie (John) Fitzpatrick, Sherri Gotter, Jeff (Cristin) Berns and Stacey (Scott) Shepard; twelve grandchildren- Ty, Breck, Colin, Jessica, Anthony, Ben, Dalylah, Alexandra, Lauren, Peter, Miller and Ruby; his brother, Fred (Fredda) Berns and his sister, Kitty Yagoda. 

He is preceded in death by his first wife, Linda Lou (nee Lambert) and his brother-in-law, Chuck Yagoda.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Northwestern Memorial Foundation, 541 N. Fairbanks Court, Chicago, IL 60611. Please make sure checks are payable to “Northwestern Memorial Foundation” and include “Ronald L. Berns” in the memo line. Donation can also be made online at foundation.nm.org  or over the phone at (312) 926-2033. Your gift will support Polsky Urologic Cancer Institute.

Memorial service will be held 3:30 P.M. Saturday, January 18, 2020 at Moss-Norris Funeral Home 100 South Third Street St. Charles, IL.  Visitation will be held from 1:00 P.M. until the time of the service.