Berne, William Christopher "Will" Age 32, of Blackduck, MN and formerly of Maple Grove, MN, died suddenly in an automobile accident near Blackduck on September 24, 2019. Born April 15, 1987 in Grand Rapids, MN, William and his identical twin Tony joined their 'forever family' on December 26, 1993, moving from Blackduck to Maple Grove. William graduated from Osseo Senior High School and St. Olaf College. He later attended both the University of Minnesota and Concordia University to prepare for a career in Education. In 2016 William had an opportunity to reach his goal of becoming a teacher, joining the staff at St. Mary's Mission School in Red Lake, MN. Consequently William returned to Blackduck with the love of his life, wife Emma. He became a respected and loved member of the school staff and community in Red Lake, and reconnected with the community in Blackduck. William was an outdoors person, loving fishing, hunting, canoeing, skiing, hiking and camping. He was an Eagle Scout, and as a young adult leader, continued to volunteer his time to mentor and teach young Scouts about leadership, service to others and an appreciation for the natural world about them. He was a passionate gamer, both video and tabletop. William was also a singer and actor, involved with 29 shows in his theatrical career. He met Emma on stage during 'Sound of Music', and immediately knew that 'she was the one'. Truly a show-mance. William is survived and loved by his darlin' wife Emma, parents Liz Quam and Chris Berne, brothers Tony Berne and Ben (Jenny) Quam, godparents Connie and Bud Moen and Beverly Robinson, as well as by many in-laws, aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews and a host of many students, friends and fellow thespians. A Memorial Service was held September 28 at St. Mary's Mission School in Red Lake, MN. A 'Celebration of William' Open House will be held on November 9 at Indeed Brewing, 711 NE 15th Ave in Minneapolis from 12:30-2:30. Memorials preferred to St. Mary's Mission School, PO Box 189, Red Lake, MN 56671, or to Friends of the Boundary Waters Wilderness.

Published on November 3, 2019