Obituary of Wilbur J. Berner

Wilbur J. "Will" Berner, 91, formerly of 3771 Heineman Rd., Greenhurst, New York passed away Monday, Oct. 9, 2023 at Heritage Green Rehab & Skilled Nursing. He was born in Buffalo on Jan. 10, 1932, the son of the late Carl and Ella Betz Berner. He attended Buffalo elementary and secondary schools, graduating from East High School in 1949. Will then served as a microwave radio technician during the Korean War, assigned to the 1st Army 24th Signal Service Battalion. After serving in the military he earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in accounting at the University of Buffalo in 1958. In 1961 Will then relocated to Jamestown to join the Dahlstrom Corporation as Asst. Secretary/Treasurer. One year later he was elected Secretary/Treasurer of the Company. He joined Aarque Companies in 1976 as Vice President and was appointed President of Aarque Management Corp. in 1980, serving as a director and chief accounting officer of the Company and its operating divisions until retirement in 1996. Memberships and affiliations included Jamestown American Legion post 149, Chautauqua Lake Region Antique Automobile Club of America, former treasurer and director of the Chautauqua Lake Assoc., former member and director of the Jamestown-Warren Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants, Lakewood Rod & Gun Club, and American Radio Relay League. Will enjoyed traveling with family throughout the United States and toured widely in Europe, Latin America and Africa. He enjoyed antique and collectible automobiles and was especially proud of his collection of Model A Fords. He renewed his interest in ham radio communication in 1996, earning extra class status as an amateur radio operator in 1997. Surviving are his son, David Berner; two stepsons, Todd and Jarrod Hearburg; two stepdaughters, Dana (Danny) O'Donnell and Sheryl (Gerry) Purpura; a granddaughter, Britt Berner, and her partner, Archer Anderson; four step grandchildren, Lauren Coderre, Kayla Hearburg, Shawnacee Chambers, and Samantha Hearburg; a great-granddaughter, August Berner; and step great-grandchild, Kaidence Booher. In addition to his parents, Will was preceded in death by his brothers, Howard Berner and Carl Berner; his first wife, Clarice J. Berner whom he married in 1956 and who died in 1980; and his second wife, Maureen C. Berner whom he married in 1984 and who died in 2019. A private family service will be held in the Lind Funeral Home. Visitation will not be observed. Burial will be in Bemus Point Cemetery. Memorials may be made to the American Heart Assoc., or to Jamestown Meals on Wheels.