Bernadette E. Pieper

Bernadette E. Pieper, nee Korte, 90, of Waterloo, IL, died August 17, 2023, in Waterloo, IL. She was born February 12, 1933, in Waterloo, IL.
    She is survived by her children Brent (Nancy) Pieper, Bonnie (David) Garner, Barbara (Stanley) Westhues, Juanita (Bryan) Grither, and Jeffrey Pieper; grandchildren Brittany (Tim) Heinen, Elizabeth (Dallas Simmons) Garner, Sarah (Vince Martino) Garner, Casey (Jonathon) Wolfe, Nikki (Jack) Prewitt, Mitchell (Addie) Westhues, Kelli Westhues, Amanda (Luke Blakely) Grither, Alyssa Grither, Jessica (Jason) McBride, and Brandi (Andrew) Haare; great grandchildren Rory and Lucy Heinen, Josie, Graylen, Kane, and Briar Wolfe, Emma and Wade Prewitt, Kate, Maci, and Lexi McBride; sister Loretta (Clinton) Morrissett; brother-in-law Ellery Hawkins, nieces and nephews.
    Bernadette was preceded in death by her husband Walter R. Pieper (married Aug. 21, 1954); brother Lester (Bernadine) Korte; sisters Ruth M. (Robert) Eschmann and Adele Hawkins; brother and sisters-in-law.
   She was a member of SS Peter & Paul Church - Waterloo.
   Mom's great joy was all her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. Their presence in her home is everywhere from the oldest to the youngest. The back patio was a dynamic place of pick-up basketball, volleyball, doll houses, bicycles, many scrapes and cuts and just plain love and affection.
   Long a gathering place for her children and their families it also became a gathering place for many of her grandchildren's friends. But never afraid to tell you "watch it buddy or l'II box your ears....." when you were out of line.
   Mom would see many a friend (old and young alike) at lunch, friends that would surprise even her children with "hey I had lunch with your Mom the other day....
   Her life span ran from the farm with no running water and a wood burning stove, to today's world. In her younger days she was an avid cook, with the best cherry & rhubarb pie that handpicked berries could make.
   May God hold you as tightly in his arms as you have held so many through this life!! Love you always!

As an expression of sympathy the family prefers memorial contributions to: 
SS Peter and Paul Church or SS Peter and Paul School

Visitation:
    4 PM to 8 PM Monday, August 21, 2023 at Quernheim Funeral Home
    8 AM until 9:30 AM Tuesday at Quernheim Funeral Home

Funeral Mass:
    10 AM Tuesday, August 22, 2023 at SS Peter & Paul Church in Waterloo, IL
        Father Linus Umoren C.M. officiating
    Interment at SS Peter & Paul Cemetery in Waterloo, IL