Ryan Bernickus

Ryan Bernickus

Born: September 14, 1992; In Joliet, IL

Died: April 13, 2016; In Morris, IL

Ryan Bernickus "Bernie", age 23, of Morris, passed away Wednesday, April 13, 2016 at home with his family by his side after a brave, courageous two-year battle against cancer. Born September 14, 1992 in Joliet, to Marcy (nee Hanouw) and Rick Bernickus. Ryan attended Minooka High School and after his sophomore year, Morris Community High School, graduating with the class of 2011. He was a third year student at the University of Iowa, aspiring to study pharmacology as he had achieved his goal of being accepted to the University of Chicago College of Pharmacy shortly before he was diagnosed.

In addition to his parents, he is also survived by his brother, Matt Bernickus; sister, Kellen Bernickus all of Morris, IL; maternal grandmother, Ellen (nee Morris) Hanouw of Morris, IL; paternal grandmother, Carrie (nee Bauer) Bernickus of Joliet, IL; two uncles, Ken (Gail) Hanouw of Homer Township, IL and Brent (Jane) Hanouw of Minooka, IL; five cousins, Lauren, Amy, Audrey, Luke Hanouw and Rebecca Bernickus.

Preceded in death by his maternal grandfather, Kenneth Hanouw; paternal grandfather, Alex Bernickus; and uncle, Dan Bernickus.

Ryan's love of baseball began with the Channahon Baseball League. He moved on to play for the Wiers Warriors travel team, the Fellowship of Christian Athletes travel team, the Minooka Indians and the Morris Redskins baseball teams. He also played youth hockey for the Joliet Jaguars. An avid guitarist and fisherman, Ryan was also a huge fan of the Blackhawks, Cubs and rock band, Tool.

Funeral services for Ryan Bernickus will be held at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, 516 E. Jackson Street, Morris, IL. where visitation will take place Sunday, April 17, 2016 from 4:00 until 9:00 p.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10:00 a.m. Monday, April 18, 2016 at Immaculate Conception with Fr. Ed Howe, CR officiating. Interment Evergreen Cemetery, Morris.

In lieu of flowers, per Ryan and his families' request, please consider a memorial in his name to one or more of the following: Team Make A Difference, The Andrew Weishar Foundation, Make Your Mark Foundation, Pediatric Cancer Research Foundation, Cal's Angels, Shorewood Hugs, Operation St. Nick and/or Pink Heals, Joliet Area Chapter.

For information (815) 942-5040 or to visit his Book of Memories, please visit www.fredcdames.com