Patricia (Pat) Rasmussen Berning died November 6th 2014 at Brighton Gardens with her family at her side. Funeral services will be held Friday, November 14, 2014 at St. Agnes Catholic Church, 5250 Mission Rd., Roeland Park, KS. Rosary will be prayed at 9:00 a.m. followed by visitation and Funeral Mass beginning at 10:00 a.m.

Pat was born March 17th, 1919 in Chaffee, ND, and grew up in Fargo. She attended State Teachers College in Moorhead, MN, graduating in 1940. She taught grade school for most of her career. She also served as one of the first teachers of the Head Start program, beginning in 1965 and retired from that program as an administrator in 1982. She met Ken Berning while he attended OCS in Fargo, and they married in May of 1943. They were married 51 years until Ken's death in 1994. Together they raised two children. Pat was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She most enjoyed spending time with her family and traveling. She was a very talented Bridge player and was considered a worthy opponent even in her later years. She fearlessly attacked the NY Times crossword puzzle, in ink no less, and half the time she finished Sunday's puzzle while enjoying one of her famous martinis (with two olives). Pat never met a stranger, and always had a partner in crime with whom to attend movies, shows, and dinners out. She was a member of St. Agnes Parish for over 60 years. She spent countless hours volunteering at the parish and the KCK Food Kitchen. She was always good for a laugh and a well timed joke. She will be sorely missed by everyone she touched.

Pat is survived by her son Michael Berning (Patricia) and daughter Kathie Donnelly (Art), six grandchildren, and three great-grandchildren.

The family thanks the staff at Brighton Gardens for caring for their mother the past three years along with the staff at Grace Hospice for their support and love during Pat's final illness. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to St. Agnes Catholic Church or Grace Hospice, 9233 Ward Pkwy, Suite 201, KCMO 64114.

Condolences may be offered at www.passantinobros.com.