Bernice Hofner

Bernice Hofner, age 94, died on January 4, 2012 and at her home in Aurora,IL. Bernice was the daughter of Alma Schelling Kartheiser and Peter Kartheiser. She was born in Aurora, IL on November 20, 1917 and lived in Aurora all of her life. She married Emery Hofner on November 23, 1939. Emery preceded her in death in Aurora on August 17, 1981. Bernice was a life-long member of St. Joseph Catholic Church. She was baptized, made her First and Solemn Communion, was confirmed, and married at St. Joseph's. She was a graduate of Madonna High School, class of 1935. She attended St. Teresa College in Winona, MN. After her marriage she belonged to the Arch Confraternity of Mary and served as its President for a number of years. For thirty one years Bernice taught at St. Joseph Grade School where she taught second grade for nine years and then transferred to the newly formed Learning Center. She also worked at Verue Redd Beauty Salon, Aurora Dry Goods (The Aurora Store) and Kartheiser and Son Hardware Store. Bernice was chosen as a Catholic Woman of the Year by the Diocese of Rockford and as an outstanding graduate of St. Joseph School by the NCEA. She had been an Eucharistic Minister, taught CCD, participated in Genesis II, and was part of Small Groups Prayer. After retiring Bernice was a volunteer at St. Joseph's School for three years, in Kindergarten at Hermes School for four years, and then in first grade at Hall School. She was awarded the Golden Apple award at Hall School for her volunteer work there. Bernice was a member of the Fox Valley Hiking Club, the FVPD Friendly Center Club, and several Bridge Clubs. She was also an avid knitter and supported the Blood Bank having donated one hundred pints of blood and was a member of the 14 gallon club. She is survived by her children: Judy (Richard) Smith of Aurora, IL, Jim (Marci) Hofner of Wheaton, IL, Tim (Chris) Hofner of Oswego, IL, and Mary (Stephen) Gaddis of Aurora, IL., her grandchildren: Kevin (Debbie) Smith, Keith Smith, Andy (Steff) Hofner, Amy Hofner, Jay (Kelle) Hofner, Michael (Mollie) Hofner, Melissa ( Matt) Kaupke, Megan Hofner, Matthew Hofner, Karen Gaddis, Jessica (Danny) Duda, James Gaddis, and Samantha Gaddis and 18 great grandchildren She also has two sisters-in-law: Delores "Babe" Kartheiser and Rose Comer. In addition to her husband and her parents she was preceded in death by her brother Raymond "Bud" Kartheiser and a great grandson Gabriel Kaupke. The family would like to extend sincere appreciation to Pat Frangella for the loving care and friendship she gave to our mother. Funeral from THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY will be Monday, January 9, 2012 at 11:30am to St. Joseph Church at 12:00 pm. Fr. Jerome Leake will officiate with Fr. Charles Reichenbacher concelebrating. Interment will follow at St. Joseph Cemetery. Visitation will be Sunday, January 8, 2012 from 2:00 pm until 8:00 pm at THE DALEIDEN MORTUARY, 220 N. Lake St., Aurora, 630-631-5500 or visit our new interactive website at www.daleidenmortuary.com where you may leave condolences for Bernice’s family. Memorials can be made to St. Joseph Catholic Church and/or School, P.O. Box 4395, Aurora, IL 60507.

Bernice Hofner

November 20, 1917 - January 4, 2012