BERNARD “Bernie” WERNLI

Bernard “Bernie” Wernli, age 88, of Geneva, formerly of Kaneville, IL, passed away surrounded by the love and prayers of his family following a brave battle with cancer, Sunday, June 25, 2023.

He was born June 11, 1935 in Yale, IA, to loving parents, Raymond and Gladys Wernli.

Bernie grew up on the family farm in Yale, IA, and attended local schools. He graduated from Dawson High School with the class of 1953 that boasted seven students. Shortly after he answered the call of his country and enlisted in the United States Air Force. He did his basic training in San Antonio, TX, served time in Denver, CO where he became an instructor, and the last two years Bernie was based in Japan before he was honorably discharged. He returned to civilian life back in Yale and worked in the Perry area while he applied to the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration).

Fate intervened in 1959 and led Bernie on a blind date with Ginger Wernli. From that date was born a spark that ignited a lifetime of love. His marriage “took off” after walking down the aisle on April 17, 1960. They began their new life together in Des Moines, IA before a job with the FAA brought them to Chicago, IL.

In November of that year they moved to Oklahoma City, OK, for technical schooling (a tale that would repeat 7 times) and there welcomed a daughter, Jena. Their address changed many times during the first five years, but eventually the growing family moved to Kaneville in 1966. The size of the family also changed as they added three more daughters, Joy, Janelle and Jamie, who made the family complete in 1971. Kaneville held many happy memories including owning and operating B & G Market on the corner of Harter Rd. and Main St. before they moved to Sterling, IL after Bernie’s retirement. They settled in Geneva 16 years later in 2015.

He was an active and faithful member of the Banbury Road Baptist Church in North Aurora for 25 years, Harvest Time Bible Church in Rock Falls, IL and most recently, Chapelstreet Church in Geneva. Kaneville United Methodist Church may not have counted him a member but Ginger taught Vacation Bible School over the years.  

Bernie and Ginger took many field trips with the children as they grew up but traveled thousands of miles as a couple visiting nearly every state in the union. When he was home, Bernie was happiest in the yard, tending to the garden but never planting it because his rows were so crooked. The girls were never allowed to mow, but they “volunteered” to pick up sticks, weed, snap beans and shuck countless ears of corn for 25 cents a bushel. When concerts, games, graduations, births, as well as birthdays, came up, Bernie was always there and accounted for, cheering and supporting his children, grandchildren and later for his great-grandchildren. Nothing and no one was more important. Their extended family included their community, especially in Kaneville, where he coached softball, and was integral to many of the community events. He was an avid sports fan, especially of his beloved Chicago Cubs. Daily newspapers brought him important news of the day, including the price of gas, and Bernie made sure his cars were spotless. He was president and CEO of the “clean plate club” at dinner, as were his girls, whether they liked it or not. His (oft repeated) “dad jokes” brought more groans than laughs, a picture-perfect Donald duck impersonation delighted many, and much laughter was shared when he wrestled with the grandkids. There was nothing he wouldn’t do for his family and friends and so his undeniable legacy will be cherished for generations.

He now leaves his loving wife of 63 years, Ginger Wernli; four daughters: Jena (Dave) Villarreal, Joy (Bob) Harper, Janelle Schuppner, and Jamie (Derek) Harmon; 10 grandchildren: David Villarreal II, Jessica Wernli, Jeremy (Drea) Wernli, Jazmine (Dylan Bainter) Wernli and their daughter, Remi Joy, Hannah (Adam Stekala) Schuppner, Kaleb (Isabelle Davis) Schuppner, Brittany (Jeremy) Agans and their children: Wyatt, Bryson, Harmony and one on the way, Elias; Noah (Shelby) Harmon, Elijah Kirk and Alexander Harmon; one sister, Carol Meier; one sister-in-law, BJ Smith Hetherington; many nieces, nephews, cousins and community of friends.

He now is reunited with his parents, Raymond and Gladys Wernli; two sisters, Roberta (Leonard) Scott and Phyllis (Melvin) Scott; one son-in-law, John Kirk Jr.; and grandson Dustin Villarreal who preceded him in death.

Visitation will be from 4-8 p.m., Friday, June 30, 2023 at Kaneville United Methodist Church, 46W764 Main Street Rd. Kaneville, IL.  Additional visitation Saturday, July 1, from 10-11 a.m. will also be at the church, with a funeral service to celebrate his faith to follow at 11. Interment will be at Kaneville Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial has been established in Bernie’s name. Checks may be made to the “Bernard E. Wernli Memorial” and mailed in care of P.O. Box 66, Elburn, 60119. Tributes may also be forwarded to the same address, the Conley Funeral Home Facebook Page, or at www.conleycare.com.