Photo courtesy of Schrader Funeral Home and Crematory - Ballwin
Ballwin, Missouri
Dec 15, 1936 – Sep 27, 2025
Delia Anne Patterson Bernauer, 88, of Ellisville, Missouri, passed away peacefully on September 27, 2025. She was born on December 15, 1936, in Indianapolis, Indiana, the daughter of Bluford Keaton Patterson and Mildred Lucille Joerendt Patterson.
Delia married John Howard Bernauer in Indianapolis on February 5, 1961, and they later divorced. Her greatest joy in life was raising her four children: Terrie Idel (fiancé Bill Roper), Kimberly Calder (husband Angus Calder), Scott Bernauer, and Linda O’Connor (husband Robert O’Connor, Jr.). She was the loving grandmother of Berkley Northnagel (husband Bradley Northnagel), Ryan Idel, Alastair Calder, Elliot Calder, Robert O’Connor III (“Trey”), Tressa O’Connor, and Addison O’Connor, and the cherished great-grandmother of Blair Northnagel, daughter of Berkley and Bradley.
She is survived by her siblings Bob, Jim, Millie, Larry, and Dorothy, and was preceded in death by her parents and siblings Patty, Bette, Mary, Linda, Virginia, Helen, Richard, and Allen.
Delia attended the University of Indiana on a full academic scholarship and became a speech pathologist. Her life was defined by her devotion to her family, her faith, and her love of creativity. She wrote over 2,000 original Christian songs under the label Songs of Dee-Light and produced seven albums, sharing her passion for music with everyone around her. She loved dancing, theater, bowling, bike riding, gardening, watching sports (especially her grandkids) reading, and had a passion for travel. Delia also embraced health and nutrition long before it was widely recognized, teaching the value of whole foods and natural healing. Her warmth, generosity, and caring spirit will leave a lasting impression on all who knew her.
Services: Funeral and memorial service details are to be announced. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to the Alzheimer’s Foundation of America: alzfdn.org/donate.
As a service of the SCHRADER Funeral Home and Crematory, friends may sign the family's on-line guestbook at Schrader.com.
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I loved being around Dee. She was a beautiful person and a great grandmother. I am sorry for your loss.
Jacklyn O'Connor
October 20, 2025 | Burlingame, CA | Family
So very sorry for your loss of this lovely lady! So happy I was able to meet her in Ca! Cheri Crist-A friend of Kimberly
Cheryl Crist
October 15, 2025 | Millersport, OH | Friend
I’m so sorry for your loss. Our moms were both musical! Sounds like she had a charmed life I know she will be missed by many.
Nancy Fox
October 14, 2025 | Clayton, MO | Friend
Dede was a very loving sister. If I remember, she always won playing monopoly with us and could really swing a bat. We had a good time together.
She is surely with our Lord.
Harold. Aka Bob Patterson
October 03, 2025 | Stilesville, IN | Brother
I will always remember her smile and laugh. I know she is in heaven with our parents and siblings enjoying their reunion. Deepest condolences to her children and grandchildren.
Dorothy Patterson
October 01, 2025 | Dearborn Heights, MI | Sister
Dee was always joyful and had a wonderful smile and laugh. Those were qualities that seemed contagious. She will be remembered fondly.
Pam Idel
October 01, 2025
Dee was a wonderful lady. She was always happy and encouraging. Her love for Jesus shined bright! May she rest in peace.
Norma Anderson
October 01, 2025 | Friend
Dee was always happy and smiling with her strong faith in God and her family. I know she was welcomed with open arms in heaven.
Millie Patterson
October 01, 2025 | Flint, MI | Sister
