VISITATION & FUNERAL SERVICE
Monday, June 22, 2026
at
Heritage Funeral Home – Greenfield
4800 S. 84th Street

Visitation: 12:30 pm – 4:30 pm
Funeral Service: 3:30 pm

For those wishing to honor Mike with a memorial contribution,
the family suggests donation to
St. Luke’s Tendick Center for Advanced Heart Failure Therapies

Michael J. Berns, Jr.
“Mike”   “Mikey”   “T”

Age 46, passed away after a long battle with heart disease and heart failure. Throughout years of medical challenges, setbacks, hospital stays, procedures, and uncertainty, he faced each obstacle with determination, resilience, and hope. He received a heart transplant in December 2021, a precious gift that provided him with additional time to spend with the people he loved most.

Mike was someone who always showed up for others. He valued family traditions, treasured time spent together and found joy in life’s simple moments. He enjoyed playing card games, especially cribbage, with family members and at family tournaments. He loved attending games and cheering on the Brewers, Packers, Badgers, and Bucks. He also enjoyed following along with his nieces’ and nephews’ athletic pursuits and attending their games and events whenever he could.

Watching sports was a ritual for Mike, complete with the routines and traditions he shared with family and friends. He also enjoyed cooking and experimenting with new recipes, always eager to try something new. Whether gathered around a card table, watching a game, listening to music, or lending a hand to someone in need, Mike brought laughter, encouragement, and unwavering support to those around him. His love of music filled many rooms, many car rides, and countless memories with those he loved. His kindness, sense of humor, and generous spirit will be deeply missed and forever remembered by all who knew him.

Mike was the cherished son of Diana (Thomas) Carver and Michael (Luann) Berns, Sr. He was the beloved brother of Becky (Nate) McConnell, Kristen (Eric) McClyman, and Jason Berns. He was a loving uncle to Abby and Carson McConnell and Tyler and Hailey McClyman.

He was the dear nephew of the late Marie Jackson, Helen (Joe) LaCroix, the late Anita (Glenn) Lorbiecki, Ed (Mary Beth) Berns, Cindy (John) Lussier, Donald (Pauline) Polinske, Dennis (Sandy) Polinske, Robin (Pam) Polinske, the late Jeff Polinske (Rich), Laura (Steve) Naughton, and Bryan (Lisa) Polinske. He is further survived by many close and cherished cousins and countless dear friends.

Mike was preceded in death by his grandparents John and Dorothy Berns, and Don and Beth Polinske.

The family would like to express their heartfelt gratitude to the organ donor and donor family whose selfless gift provided Mike with precious additional years with his loved ones, as well as to the many physicians, nurses, and caregivers who supported him throughout his journey – especially the care team at St. Luke’s Tendick Center for Advanced Heart Failure Therapies.

Though his time with us was far too short, Mike’s legacy lives on in the traditions he cherished, the memories he created, and the love he shared so freely with family and friends.
Visitation will be held on Monday, June 22, 2026, at Heritage Funeral Home, 4800 S. 84th Street in Greenfield, from 12:30 PM until 4:30PM. There will be Funeral Service to honor Mike at 3:30 PM.

If you would like to honor Mike with a memorial contribution, please consider donating to St. Luke’s Tendick Center for Advanced Heart Failure Therapies at Aurora Health Care Foundation where Mike received his cardiac care throughout the years.

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