She was born on May 20, 1934, on the family farm in Walnut, IL, to Albert and Thelma (Brooks) Heidenreich. She married Walter James Lee, and he preceded her in death on November 18, 2002.
In addition to her parents, and husband, she was preceded in death by one son, Steven Eugene Lee; sisters, Ada Hahn, and Loretta Westcott; brothers, Willis Heidenreich, Arthur Heidenreich, Robert Fox, and Chris Hendricks.
She is survived by her children, Terry Lee, Donna (Ronald) Guth, Kathy Lee-Fredrickson, Jeff (Lisa) Lee, and Lisa Lee (Loy Cletcher, III); sisters-in-law, Roberta Heidenreich, Janet Heidenreich, and Christine Lee; and numerous grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews.
Bernadine enjoyed traveling, playing bingo, and crossword puzzles. She loved the St. Louis Cardinals, Joe Girardi (even though he played for the wrong team), and the Game Show Network.
The family wishes to express their gratitude to the staff of OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home, Serenity Assisted Living and Memory Care, and to her many OSF Healthcare providers.
Cremation has been accorded. Private graveside services will be held at Fondulac Cemetery. A Celebration of Life will be held from 1-5 PM, on Saturday, April 8, 2023, at Fondulac Administration Building, 201 Veterans Drive, East Peoria. Memorials may be made to OSF Richard L. Owens Hospice Home or Fondulac Administration Building Senior Activities Program.
Words of sympathy may be shared at RemmertFuneralHome.com.
