Bernard “Bernie” J. Merema, 89, of Morrison, IL, died Friday, June 15, 2018, at OSF St. Anthony Medical Center in Rockford, IL.
Bernie was born February 15, 1929, in Fulton, IL, to Bernie and Anna (Deelsnyder) Merema. He was educated in the Fulton Grade Schools and was a 1947 graduate of Fulton High School. Bernie married Arlene B. Bielema on June 9, 1950, in Fulton. He was employed by Commonwealth Edison for more than 30 years, where he worked as a lineman and foreman. Bernie was a member of Spring Valley Reformed Church where he served as Elder and Deacon and also taught catechism. Bernie was an avid bowler and enjoyed the outdoors while hunting and fishing. Bernie worked with his hands doing stained glass and woodworking. He was very generous with his time, helping out anyone who was in need. Bernie’s greatest joy in life was his family, especially his grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Survivors include his wife, Arlene; two daughters, Sally (Jim) Hamann of Eldridge, IA, and Sue (Bill) Maurice of Canton, IL; one son, Steve (Mary Kay) Merema of Rochelle, IL; five grandchildren, Blake (Anita) Hamann, Todd (Teresa) Hamann, Erin O’Flaherty, Steve (Rachel) Merema, Jr., and Greg Merema; two step-grandchildren, Hayden and Laurenn Maurice; four great-grandchildren, Gracie Hamann, Kaitlyn and Jillian Hamann, and Gwen Merema; one step-great-grandchild, Max Martens; one sister, Mrs. Helen Temple of Fulton, IL.
He was preceded in death by his parents.
The funeral service will be 10:00 a.m., Wednesday, June 20, 2018, at Spring Valley Reformed Church in rural Fulton, IL, with Rev. Ralph Beidler officiating.
Visitation will be from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, June 19, 2018, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home.
Interment will be at Fulton Township Cemetery in Fulton, IL.
Memorials have been established to Spring Valley Reformed Church or Caring People Ministries–Bowling Green, FL.