Thomas Warren Berning, known to many as Tom, passed away on February 12, 2025, in Portland, Oregon. He was born on July 9, 1951, in Woodburn, Oregon, and grew up on his family's farm in St. Paul, Oregon. After graduating from Oregon State University, he began his career in accounting but soon transitioned into the construction industry. His passion and determination led him to establish his own company specializing in bridge construction. Tom was fortunate to retire early but remained active on his farm, where he took great pride in maintaining the land and tending to his garden.

Tom's life was deeply intertwined with that of his beloved wife, Eileen. Their story began when they met as children working in the Berning family's berry fields at the age of ten. Over the years, their friendship blossomed into love, and they married in 1975. Together, they built a beautiful life filled with love and devotion, serving as role models of a true partnership and imparting the values of hard work and integrity to their children. He was a skilled golfer, achieving 8 hole-in-ones, and took great pleasure in playing with his friends at OGA Tukwila. They would tee off at the first time slot every weekday and often finish in record time. Tom and Eileen's home (The Farm) was his pride and joy as he always had an abundant garden full of produce and berries, beautiful flowers, and meticulously maintained grass. In his "free time," he cherished moments with his grandchildren on The Farm, taking them on Honda rides around the property. His grandchildren affectionately called him Papa Tom, a title he wore with pride.

Tom is survived by his cherished wife of fifty years, Eileen; their three children and their spouses: Kristen & David Meany, Erin & Dylan Potter, and Ryan & Natalie Berning; and his cherished grandchildren: Megan, John, and James Meany; Ruby, Rhys, and Stella Potter; and Claire, Audrey, and Connor Berning. He is also survived by his brothers Duane, Bob (Cheryl), Fred, Wally, and Dean; his sisters Karen (Todd) Woodruff and Kathy (Jim) Schlotfeldt; and his sister-in-law Linda Berning. Additionally, Tom leaves behind his dear Payseno in-laws and their spouses, along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and close friends, all of whom will miss him deeply.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Prosper and Margaret Berning; his brother Dwight Berning; and his sister-in-law, Eva Berning.

A Funeral Mass will be held on February 28, 2025, at 11:00 AM at Resurrection Catholic Parish in Tualatin, Oregon (21060 SW Stafford Road).

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made in Tom's honor to the Providence Portland Medical Foundation to support ongoing melanoma cancer research. Please direct contributions to 4805 NE Glisan St., Suite 1G14, Portland, OR 97213, and include 'Cancer Research Fund' in the memo line or note.