Bernice L., nee Wagner, Thompson, 91, of New Athens, IL, born December 19, 1925 in Hecker, IL, passed away on Thursday, December 29, 2016 at the Freeburg Care Center in Freeburg, IL. She was a cook for 25 years at the New Athens Home for the Aged. Bernice was a member of VFW Post 7710 Ladies’ Auxiliary, St. John United Church of Christ in New Athens and also of the church Women’s Guild. She loved to bake cookies and play cards. Bernice was a breast cancer survivor and an advocate for fellow survivors.
Bernice was preceded in death by her parents; George and Clara (Mehrmann) Wagner, her husband; Clyde G. Thompson, whom she married on April 17, 1948 in Hecker, IL, and who died on July 27, 1977, 1 brother; Charles Wagner, and her special companion; Floyd Schmierbach.
Surviving are her children; Myron (Sarah) Thompson of Edwardsville, IL and Charlene (Steve) Lippert of New Athens, IL brother; Melvin Wagner of Hecker, IL 4 grandchildren; Margaret (Sean) Ketcherside, Matthew (friend Pam) Thompson, Christine (Kevin) Scronce and Philip (Tina) Lippert. 6 great grandchildren; Jocelyn Ketcherside, Camden and Amelia Willet, Logan and Ella Lippert, and Patrick Scronce. Bernice is also survived by dear friends; Judy Hopfinger, Steve and Sandy Cummins and Jeannie Trotter.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are requested to be made to St. John United Church of Christ in New Athens, IL.
Visitation: Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. on Sunday, January 1, 2017 at Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens and from 9 to 10 a.m. Monday, January 2, 2017 at St. John United Church of Christ in New Athens. There will be a VFW Ladies’ Auxiliary ceremony held at 5:30 p.m. Sunday evening at the funeral home.
Funeral: Services will be held at 10 a.m. on Monday, January 2, 2017 at St. John United Church of Christ in New Athens with Rev. Dr. Robert Koch officiating. Burial will be at Valhalla Gardens Cemetery in Belleville, IL.
Heil-Schuessler Funeral Home in New Athens is in charge of arrangements.
My sympathy to Charlene and Myron and families. I got to visit with your mother off and on thru the years and will miss her. Always smiling. Dorothy Hacker
Posted by: Dorothy Hacker – New Athens, IL – Friend Jan 04, 2017
ReplyOur Deepest Sympathies to the family.
Posted by: Carrie Middendorf – Smithton, IL – Family Friend Jan 01, 2017
ReplyBernice was like my second mother. Loved her. The Thompson’s were my extended family. Having lost my parents I know this is a very difficult time for you. Although I can not be there today my thoughts are with you.
Posted by: Sheila Menk – Hazelwood, MO – Family Friend Jan 01, 2017
ReplySo sorry Christine. You are in my prayers
Posted by: Helen ODell – Ofallon, IL – Friend Dec 31, 2016
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So sorry Christine. You are in my prayers
Posted by: Helen ODell – Ofallon, IL – Friend Dec 31, 2016
Bernice was like my second mother. Loved her. The Thompson’s were my extended family. Having lost my parents I know this is a very difficult time for you. Although I can not be there today my thoughts are with you.
Posted by: Sheila Menk – Hazelwood, MO – Family Friend Jan 01, 2017
Our Deepest Sympathies to the family.
Posted by: Carrie Middendorf – Smithton, IL – Family Friend Jan 01, 2017
My sympathy to Charlene and Myron and families. I got to visit with your mother off and on thru the years and will miss her. Always smiling. Dorothy Hacker
Posted by: Dorothy Hacker – New Athens, IL – Friend Jan 04, 2017