Bernadine G. “Bernie” Sanders, 92, of Morrison, IL, died Wednesday, April 24, 2019, at Resthave Home & Rehabilitation in Morrison.
Bernie was born January 8, 1927, in Fulton, IL, to Joseph and Dorothea L. (Sterenberg) Bielema, Jr. She was educated in the Fulton Grade and High Schools. She married John W. Sanders on January 10, 1946, in Fulton. Bernie was employed by General Electric in Morrison for 30 years, retiring in 1989. Following retirement she was employed by Swiss Colony in Savanna, IL, and Sullivan’s Foods Deli in Morrison. She was a member of Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison and participated in the church’s Bible study group and also the Christian Women’s Club of Fulton. Bernie enjoyed crocheting, walking, and taking day trips with friends. She loved to cook and bake pies for her family.
Survivors include one daughter, Kristi (Robert) David of Fulton, IL; three sons, Terry (Laura) Sanders of Suwanee, GA, Stephen Sanders of Morrison, and Timothy (Brenda) Sanders of Albany, IL; 18 grandchildren, two from parents Kristi and Robert: Nicole Williams and Zachary (Trista) David; two from parents Terry and Paula, Leslie (Mikkel) Sanders-Damkjaer, and Devin Sanders; one child of Terry and Laura, Cindy Sanders; three from parents Stephen and Nancy, Jeannie Weltzin, Jennifer (Robert) Edens, Stephen (Jenny) Sanders; two from parents Stephen and Becky, Katie Sanders and Joni (Jeff) Dickson; four from parents Timothy and Brenda, Cara McCluskey, Nicole Sanders, Kayla Sanders and Ashley Sanders; four from parents Wayne (deceased) and Laura, Jamie (Layla) Sanders, Melissa (David) Peterson, Joshua Sanders, and Jaaron Sanders. Also surviving are a small army of great- and great-great grandchildren; one sister, Coretta VanKooten of Morrison, and two beloved cat-dogs,” Winston and Baxter.
She was preceded in death by one son, Wayne Sanders; one grandson, Brent Sanders; two sisters, Della Tichler and Karen Brands; one brother, Joel Bielema.
Funeral services will be held at 10:30 a.m., Monday, April 29, 2019, at Ebenezer Reformed Church in Morrison, IL, with Ken Renkes officiating.
A visitation will be held from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m., on Sunday, April 28, 2019, at the Morrison Chapel of the Bosma-Renkes Funeral Home.
Cremation rites will be accorded following the funeral, with interment at a later date.
A memorial to the Ebenezer Reformed Church Library has been established.