Benjamin Jeffrey Berner passed from this life on October 17, 2026. He was born on October 30, 1985 to Jeffrey and Denna Berner (Wiertella) in Kalamazoo. He graduated from Vicksburg High School in 2003 and participated in football and track during his high school years. He was a lifelong Vicksburg resident and loved the “small town” life especially, as he said, “the good people of Vicksburg”. He enjoyed touring the Vicksburg Historic Village with his children and he volunteered for several years with the Vicksburg Harvest Festival and enjoyed the interaction with attending families and vendors. His work career included injection molding technician, tool and die maintenance and welding.

Ben proudly served his country with Charlie Troop, 1st Squadron, 126 Cavalry during Operation Iraqi Freedom from 2007 to 2009. He was awarded the Army Commendation Medal which reads in part, “For exceptionally meritorious service while serving as a gun truck crewman during Operation Iraqi Freedom”. As with most veterans, Ben talked very little about his time in Iraqi to his non-veteran family and friends. He did, however, talk quietly, as a volunteer, to fellow veterans at the VA Medical Center in Battle Creek.

Ben was preceded in death by his grandparents Bill Berner, Margaret Jenkins and his mother Denna Berner (Wiertella). He is survived by His grandmother Vicki Berner, his grandparents Don and Maureen Wiertella, his father Jeff (Starla) Berner, his aunt Jodi (Briant) Daniel, uncle Joe VanderMey his sister Nichole (Brian)Vane, his children Deven, Blake and Laila and his niece Ava Visscher.

We will remember Ben for his fierce loyalty, infectious personality, welcoming smile, and the best hug anyone could give. Ben was always one to make those around him feel welcome and cared for. From his natural athletic gift to his creative soul and love of the arts, Ben excelled at everything he put his heart into. But above all else, Ben was cherished for the love he gave so freely. Nothing matched the devotion he had for his children- he was an incredible dad whose fierce love for his kids defined the very best of who he was. To know Ben was to love him, and his presence brought a warmth that will be profoundly missed by his family friends, and all whose lives he touched. Though his absence leaves an irreplaceable void, his light and legacy live on through those he loved most.

Benjamin’s celebration of life will be held on November 7th from 3-6 at the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society in Vicksburg. Ben’s ashes will be buried with military honors, along the side of his fellow veterans at Fort Custer National Cemetery at a later date. To honor Ben, donations can be made to the Vicksburg Historical Society in Vicksburg, Michigan.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Ben’s guestbook and share your favorite memory with his family.

The Berner family is being cared for by the Avink, McCowen & Secord Funeral Homes and Cremation Society, 409 South Main Street, Vicksburg, MI 49097 (269) 649-1697.