Lodes, Bernice

Bernice Rita Marie Lodes, nee Schleper, of Mascoutah, IL, formerly of New Baden, IL, went to heaven on January 11, 2015, with her family by her side. She was born March 25, 1932, in Albers, IL, daughter of Joseph and Margaret (Hemann) Schleper. She married George "Blackie" Lodes, Jr. in New Baden on May 1, 1951. He preceded her in death on December 10, 1999. She is survived by her children Connie (Mark) Causey, Cheri (John) Siegler, Greg (Rae) Lodes and Lisa (David) Gorman; eight grandchildren, David Causey, Melanie Causey Curl, Amanda Causey, Tom Siegler, Danny Siegler, Joey Lodes, Janie Lodes, and Alex Gorman, as well as seven great-grandchildren. Also surviving are her sister, Janette (Frank) Perry; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Alice Maxfield, Mary Billhartz, Becky and Donald Schaefer, Judy Ethridge, Ralph and Ruthie Lodes, and Arnie and Anita Lodes; and nieces and nephews. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Lodes was preceded in death by a sister, Alice (Lodes) Eberhardt; brother-in-laws, Louis Lodes, Calvin Maxfield, Clarance Billhartz, Lavern Lodes and Mike Ethridge; a sister-in-law, Gertrude Lodes; a niece, Jeannie Lodes; and a nephew, Stan Lodes. Bernice was a kind, loving, hard working mother and wife who later worked as a cook for 30 years at Clinton Manor in New Baden until her retirement. She loved to sew, crochet, knit, garden and bird watch, but most of all she loved being with her family. She was a member of St. George Catholic Church in New Baden, IL. There will be a private family visitation at 10 a.m. and Funeral Mass at 11 a.m. on Thursday, January 15, 2015 at St. George Catholic Church in New Baden with Rev. Dale Maxfield officiating. Memorials may be made to the Alzheimer's Association , Susan G. Komen Foundation, or Hospice and will be received at Hempen-Nordike Funeral Home, 15 E. Hanover, New Baden, IL 62265 who is in charge of arrangements.