Charles A. Berstling, 97, U.S. Army Veteran

Charlie was born in Lorain on November 19, 1923 and had been a resident of Lorain for most of his life; he had resided at O.V.H. since 2008.

He was a veteran of the United States Army where he fulfilled duty assignments in the Pacific Theater as a Technician Grade 5 attached to the 35th Transportation Corps Service Company from 1943 through 1946. He was stationed in Australia, New Guinea, and the southern Philippines (Luzon) and was the recipient of the American Theater Ribbon, the Asiatic-Pacific Theater Ribbon with five Bronze Stars, the Philippine Liberation Ribbon, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Good Conduct Medal.

Following his return from military service, he joined the United States Steel Corporation. He worked in the brick department at the steel producer’s Lorain-Cuyahoga Works for forty-four years retiring in 1985.

Charlie was a long-time parishioner of the former St. John Roman Catholic Church in south Lorain. In his free time he enjoyed bowling, softball games, and following the Cleveland Indians, Browns, and Cavaliers. While residing at the veteran’s home, his favorite past-times included bingo as well as excursions to sporting events, musical shows, river cruises, and veterans’ clubs.

He is survived by a host of nieces and nephews of the Berstling, Herrera, and Fries families.

Charlie was preceded in death by his parents Joseph and Maria (nee Sedlak) Berstling, brothers Frank, Steve, Johnny, Bosco, and Tony, as well as sisters Sophia Herrera and Margaret Fries.

Visitation will be Thursday from 10:00 a.m. until the time of funeral services at 11:00 a.m. in the Gluvna-Shimo-Hromada Funeral Chapel – 3224 Broadway Avenue, Lorain. Visitors will be required to wear facial coverings and all guests are asked to follow the Covid-19 guidelines posted at the funeral chapel entrance and throughout the building. Reverend John C. Retar, pastor of St. Frances Xavier Cabrini parish will officiate. Burial will follow in Calvary Cemetery where military honors will be conducted by Amvets Post # 32 of Elyria.

Contributions in his memory are encouraged to the Ohio Veterans Home.

To share your memories and condolences with Charlie’s family, please visit www.gluvna.net.