Bernice L. Mack, 93, of East Peoria, Illinois, formerly of Montgomery, Illinois, passed away in her sleep on Sunday December 18, 2022 at River Crossing of East Peoria.

Bernice was born August 25, 1929 in Beecher, IL to the late Albert and Alvina Bunte. She married Clarence W. "Sonny" Mack on May 2, 1953 in Beecher, IL. He preceded her in death on September 26, 2019.

Surviving are her children, David (Julia) Mack of Summerfield, FL, Curtis (Kelly) Mack of Washington, Keith (Linda) Mack of Aurora, Deanna (Daniel) Bishop of Marquette Heights, and Dennis (Lisa) Mack of Dunlap; 14 grandchildren, 15 great-grandchildren, and siblings, Alberta Alderson, Arlene Stadt, Lois (Orville) Mueller, and Wendell (Janice) Boicken.

She was preceded in death by a son, Jerry Mack; two grandchildren, Erika and Christina and four siblings Willard, Marian, Lucille and Carol.

Bernice grew up on a farm in Beecher, IL. She was the second oldest of 9 children. She loved country music. In her late teens and early 20s she and two of her sisters played in a band. She played the guitar and yodeled. Her guitar still has her name on it. She was hardworking and, by her example, instilled this trait in her kids. She stood up for her children and would say, "My boys would never do that." She loved cooking, canning and sewing - and she was good at all of them. She was known for her pies and Christmas cookies. She rarely watched TV unless it was "Lawrence Welk" on Saturday nights and made sure her kids were watching, too. She loved spending time with family - siblings and many nieces and nephews. During those times she enjoyed playing cards and dice. Since she sold Tupperware for more than 40 years, she never knew a stranger. In 2007 she had heart surgery resulting in a stroke which affected her speech, but it didn't affect her love for people. In 2014 she moved into Assisted Living and then the nursing home in 2017. She loved her caregivers and always smiled and waved when she saw them. She was strong-willed, opinionated and a woman of faith, compassion, and love. She had been an active member of St. Luke's Lutheran Church in Montgomery and most recently a member of St. John's Lutheran Church in Pekin.

A memorial service for Bernice will be held at 10:30 am Monday, December 26, 2022 at St. John's Lutheran Church in Pekin. Visitation will be from 9:30-10:15 am Monday at the church. Pastor Daniel Bishop will be officiating.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the Lutheran Hour Ministries.