Matthew Berning

Matthew Berning, aged 57, of Moore, Oklahoma, passed away on October 23, 2025, after a courageous battle with stage 4 pancreatic cancer for 4 years. Born on June 1, 1968, in Leoti, Kansas, Matt was a beacon of strength and kindness to all who knew him. His legacy will continue to shine brightly through his loving family and the countless lives he touched with his selfless nature, adventurous spirit, and handy skills.

Matt's early life in Leoti laid the foundation for his remarkable character. He graduated from Wichita County High School before honing his technical skills at Northwest Kansas Area Vocational-Technical School. Matt's professional life was marked by 34 years of dedicated service at TDS Telecom, where he was not only a respected employee but also a friend to many.

His life was a testament to his faith as a devout Catholic. Matt's beliefs guided him in all aspects of life and were evident in the way he treated others with compassion and generosity. He found joy in participating in activities that enriched the lives of those around him. One of his greatest successes was completing a half-marathon, an accomplishment that he was most proud of.

Matt's interests were as diverse as they were passionate. He found comfort enjoying time at the beach with his closest friends, the tranquility of hiking through nature, and the satisfaction of creating with his own hands through woodworking. Football games were always more thrilling with Matt's enthusiasm, and his granddaughters, Marlee and Sutton, could always count on him for playful adventures and boundless love.

Traveling with friends and family was one of Matt's most cherished activities, as it combined his love for exploration with his desire to create lasting memories with his loved ones. His sense of adventure took him to new heights and horizons, always with a warm smile and an open heart.

Matt is survived by his adoring family, including his mother, Kathy Berning; his son, Bryce & Maddie Berning, and granddaughter Marlee; son Chase Berning; his daughter, Haley & Mason Sellers, and granddaughter Sutton; siblings: Vicki and Cayle Hahn, Dan and Mary Berning, Sam and Tina Berning, Nanette and Alan Maxwell, Mick and Stacia Berning, Ted and Shelley Berning, Jerry and Jennifer Berning; and his many nieces and nephews. He is preceded in death by his father, Ed Berning, niece Sheila, and great-nephew Kolton.

Matt's life was a portrait of the words that best described him: selfless, adventurous, and handy. He was a man who built his life not just with tools and wood, but with love, laughter, and the kind of wisdom that comes from a life well-lived. His departure leaves a void that can never be filled, but his memory will continue to inspire all who were fortunate enough to have known him.

In his passing, Matt leaves behind a legacy of love and service that will forever be cherished and remembered. As we say goodbye to a man who was so much to so many, we take comfort in knowing that his spirit lives on in the beauty of the world he so enjoyed and in the hearts of those who loved him.

Funeral Mass was held at 10:00 AM, Wednesday, October 29, 2025, at St. James the Greater Catholic Church, 4201 S McKinley Ave, Oklahoma City, OK 73109. Vigil services will be held immediately following Mass.

A rosary service will be held at 10:00 AM, Friday, November 14, 2025, at St. Anthony of Padua in Leoti, Kansas with Father Benjamin Martin presiding. Funeral Mass will be celebrated at 10:30 a.m. with Father Benjamin Martin presiding. Inurnment will follow at the St. Mary Cemetery in Marienthal, Kansas.

Those wishing to honor Matt’s memory may donate to The National Pancreatic Cancer Foundation (NPCF) or The Toby Keith Foundation – OK Kids Korral.

https://www.npcf.us/ways-to-donate/

https://www.continuetogive.com/tobykeithfoundation/donation_prompt