Ann Elizabeth Bernson Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Ann Elizabeth Bernson died Wednesday, April 3, 2013 peacefully at her home at the Curry House in Cadillac. She was 91 years old. Ann was born in Caro, Michigan on October 12, 1921, to John and Neva (LeValley) Dunham. She grew up on her family's farm in Caro, and after graduating from high school there, she attended Central Michigan University where she earned her teaching degree. While at Central she met her husband, Ivan Benson. Ivan left college shortly thereafter to join the Army Air Corps as World War II commenced. He was a pilot, leading his crew through many missions in the Caribbean and later in the Pacific. Ann went back to Caro, and for two years taught in a one-room country schoolhouse. She was in charge of thirty students in grades kindergarten through seventh grade. Ann then left her teaching position to join the Navy and help in the war effort. She spent two years in California working in a control tower near the Pacific coast. Ann and Ivan were married on February 18, 1944 in Detroit while both were on leave. After they retired from the military in 1945, Ann and Ivan settled in Cadillac. In 1946 Ivan founded Western Concrete Products Company with his brother-in-law, Emil Jantz, and his best friend, Jim Potvin. Ann worked at Western for a while and became active in her new community as a member of the Mercy Hospital Guild, a volunteer leader in the Girl Scouts and a member of the Zion Lutheran Church. After retiring in 1972, Ivan, with Ann's encouragement and support, dedicated himself to raising quarter horses at their home, Overlook Farm in Cadillac. They enjoyed over thirty years of breeding and racing horses all over the United States and were fortunate to have many champions. They spent their winters at a second home at Mariner Cay in Stuart, Florida. Ann is remembered very fondly by friends there for her kindness, humor, and strength of character as she is by friends and family in Michigan. She will also be remembered for her many interests and talents. Ann was an accomplished seamstress, china painter, fabulous cook, and tireless gardener. Ann is survived by daughter Susan (Robert) Van Dellen of Cadillac, grandson, Bart Johan deBie of New York City , three step grandsons, Chet (Mandy), Jeff (Catherine), Andy (Mandi) VanDellen and great grandson, Emmet as well as numerous special nieces, nephews, and friends. Preceding her in death was her husband, Ivan, her parents and siblings: Spencer, Jane, Perry, and George. Family and friends are invited to gather at 11:30 a.m. Saturday, May 4, 2013 at Peterson Funeral Home in Cadillac to celebrate Ann's long and full life. Parish Assistant Judy Coffey will be officiating. Memorial contributions can be made to the Cadillac Area Community Foundation for the Ann and Ivan Bernson Memorial Fund. An online guestbook is available at www.petersonfh.com.

Ann Elizabeth Bernson

October 12, 1921 - April 3, 2013