WLKM Radio 95.9 FM
Berne Rowe Heign, age 85, of Sturgis, passed away Monday, October 31, 2022 at Thurston Woods Village in Sturgis. He was born February 13, 1937 in Elkhart, a son of Don and Frances (Rowe) Heign. Berne was baptized April 17, 1938 and then confirmed on Palm Sunday 1951 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Elkhart. He graduated from Constantine High School in 1955. On March 18, 1956 he married his high school sweetheart Janet Knisely at Messiah Lutheran Church in Constantine. She preceded him in death on July 13, 2018.
Berne worked at Syndicate Systems in Middlebury for 7 years, retiring in 2003. Previously he worked as a modular home escort and also in sales at DoMore Office Furniture. Berne enjoyed hunting, yardwork, remodeling and building. He especially loved woodworking, making many special projects with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He was previously a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Messiah Lutheran Church, and St. Paul’s Lutheran Church. He was currently attending Creator’s Praise Ministries Lutheran Church, Mendon. He has served as elder, trustee, and participated in the choir and many other church projects.
Surviving are his daughters Christine (Mike) Clipfell, Sturgis, Debra (Jay) Nihart, Jr., Constantine, Cathy (Wynn) Krzyske, Willis, MI, Judy Miltroka, Elkhart; grandchildren Lindsay (Chad) Guest, Ryan Nihart, Ashley Miltroka, Jeff Nihart and Shelley, Nicole (Chase) Colley, Jeremy (Jaclyn) Miltroka, Michelle (David) Robinson, Christopher (Kali) Barnaby, Kyle (Tasha) Krzyske, Carla (David) Golden, and Andy Krzyske; great grandchildren Cameron Guest, Journey Miltroka, Olivia Guest, Cora Colley, Logan Barnaby, Jade Miltroka, Dean Colley, Jaxon Barnaby, Adelaide Colley, Juliana Miltroka, Jane Colley and one on the way; brother-in-law David Knisely; also many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, wife and sister Bonnie Forst.
Relatives and friends will be received at Eley Funeral Home in Constantine on Wednesday from 4 to 7 pm. Religious services will be held 11 am Thursday at the funeral home with Pastor David Grimm Creator’s Praise Ministries Lutheran Church, officiating. Interment will be in Constantine Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Creator’s Praise Ministries, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital or ProMedica Hospice. Please sign Berne’s guest book or leave a message for the family at www.eleyfuneralhomes.com.
