Denna Rayette Berner passed from this life on Sunday, April 5, 2026. She was born on February 18, 1967, to Donald and Maureen (Cook) Wiertella in Marquette, Michigan.

Denna’s life began as part of a road trip. Don was a student at Michigan Tech. in Houghton, and the family doctor was in Newberry. Thinking there was several days until Denna was due to arrive, we started for Newberry only to make it as far as the State Police post in Marquette. After a short ambulance ride, mom to be was immediately placed in the delivery room and soon thereafter Denna was born. Her delivery doctor was an 80-year-old heart patient at the hospital. He told the new mom “Missie this is the first time I delivered a baby in my pajamas.”

Denna was a bright, active child and spent her early life in Gand Ledge, Michigan. The family moved to Vicksburg in 1980. She graduated from Vicksburg High School in 1985 and participated in high school activities including Cheer Leading. She had artistic talents, especially taking “found” objects and creating bits and pieces that were whimsical and imaginative. She was a kind and gentle person who loved animals. Several times, when rabbits’ nests were disturbed by an animal, or lawnmower, she would nurse the baby bunnies into adults and release them into the woods.

With two children of high school age, her home became a gathering place for kids. On any given day you could find kids from the football team, the track team and from the marching band. Denna welcomed all of the young people into her home.

At the age of 21, Denna was diagnosed with Multiple Sclerosis. She was a fighter to the end and lead as productive of a life as this terrible disease would allow.

Denna is survived by her parents Don and Maureen Wiertella of Vicksburg, son Ben Berner of Vicksburg, daughter Nichole Vane (Brian) of Lansing and four grandchildren, Deven, Ava Kae, Blake and Laila.

A celebration of her life will be held at Avink, McCowen, & Secord Funeral Home in Vicksburg on Friday, April 10th from 4 to 7pm at the funeral home.

While at www.amsfuneralhomes.com please take time to sign Denna’s guestbook and share your favorite memory with her family. Donations in Denna’s name can be made to the National Multiple Sclerosis Society.

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