Bernard R. "Bernie" Ferencik

1931 - 2023

Bernard "Bernie" R. Ferencik
Born: December 6, 1931 in Joliet, IL
Died: August 20, 2023 in New Lenox, IL
Bernie left this world peacefully with his family by his side on August 20, 2023, at home in New Lenox.
Born on December 6, 1931, Bernie grew up with 6 siblings in Joliet. Attended Joliet Catholic High. He attended the University of Wisconsin on a football scholarship. Following college, Bernie served in the Korean War as an Army Signal Corpsman. Upon leaving the Army, he joined Local 444 Ironworkers Union in Joliet in 1960. He was an active member of St. Jude's Church, VFW Post 9545, and the American Legion Post 1977.
Bernie always put family first and actively supported his children and grandchildren's activities. His hobbies involved golf, traveling the world, attending family events, and watching sports, especially the Chicago Cubs!
Bernie is to be remembered for his commitment of faith, love of family, and his country. He is preceded in death by his Parents Mary (nee Benco) and Joseph Ferencik, 6 siblings, and his daughter in law. He is survived by his loving wife of 65 years, Nancy (nee Donahue) Ferencik; his children Kathleen (Ron) Speckman and Mark (the late Nancy) Ferencik; his four grandchildren, Stephen (Tarah) Stelter, Jennifer (Matthew) Smetana, Michael Stelter, Lauren Ferencik and seven great-grandchildren, Evelyn, Shamus, Jacob, Jaiden, Luke, Ryan, and Jake – who brought him immense pride and joy.
In Lieu of Flowers the family requests donations be made to the St. Jude's (New Lenox) Building Fund.
Visitation Monday August 28th, 2023, from 10 AM until time of Funeral Mass 11:30 AM at St. Jude Church 241 W 2nd Ave. New Lenox, IL 60541. Interment at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery.
Arrangements entrusted to Hickey Memorial Chapels. For more information and online register please visit www.hickeyfuneral.com or call (815) 485-8697.