Bernice R. Lodes

1932 - 2015

Bernice Lodes

Bernice Rita Marie Lodes, nee Schleper, 82, of Mascoutah, Ill., formerly of New Baden, Ill., went to heaven on January 11, 2015, with her family by her side.

She was born March 25, 1932, in Albers, Ill., daughter of Joseph and Margaret, nee Hemann, Schleper.

Bernice was a kind, loving, hard working mother and wife who later worked as a cook for 30 years at Clinton Manor in New Baden until her retirement. She loved to sew, crochet, knit, garden and bird watch, but most of all she loved being with her family. She was a member of St. George Catholic Church, New Baden, Ill.

She was preceded in death by her husband, George "Blackie" Lodes, Jr., whom she married in New Baden, Ill., on May 1, 1951, and who preceded her in death on Dec. 10, 1999; her parents, Joseph and Margaret (Hermann) Schleper; a sister, Alice (Lodes) Eberhardt; five brothers-in-law, Louis Lodes, Calvin Maxfield, Clarence Billharts, Lavern Lodes, and Mike Ethridge; a sister-in-law, Gertrude Lodes; a nephew, Stan Lodes; and a niece, Jeannie Lodes.

Surviving are her children, Connie (Mark) Causey, Cheri (John) Siegler, Greg (Rae) Lodes, and Lisa (David) Gorman; eight grandchildren, David Causey, Melanie Causey Curl, Amanda Causey, Tom Siegler, Danny Siegler, Joey Lodes, and Alex Gormam; as well as seven great-grand children. Also surviving are her sister, Janette (Frank) Perry; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Alice Maxfield, Mary Billharts, Becky and Donald Schaefer, Judy Ethridge, Ralph and Ruthie Lodes, and Arnie and Anita Lodes; and nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association, Susan G. Komen Foundation, or Hospice, and will be received at the funeral home. Condolences may be made at: www.nordikefuneralhome.com.

Visitation: Private family visitation will be held at 10 a.m. Thursday, January 15, 2015, at St. George Catholic Church, New Baden, Ill., with Rev. Dale Maxfield officiating, followed by an 11 a.m. Funeral Mass.

HEMPEN-NORDIKE

FUNERAL HOME,

New Baden, Ill.