Bernadine M. Brandenburger (97) of Effingham

Bernadine (Beland) Brandenburger, 97, of Effingham, formerly of Beecher City, passed away Sunday April 14, 2019 at Lakeland Rehabilitation and Health Care Center in Effingham.

Bernadine was born in Chicago on March 19,1922, the daughter of Clarence and Veronica Beland. She met Clifford Brandenburger at a USO dance while he was stationed at Great Lakes Naval Base. They corresponded throughout WW II and were married on June 29, 1946. Clifford and Bernadine settled in Chicago.

Bernadine was homemaker, raising a family of 3 boys. She volunteered at local hospitals, read to the blind, as well as other volunteer functions. She was a member of the Mount Greenwood American Legion Post # 844 Women's Auxiliary, St. Christina Rosary Altar Society, National Campers and Hikers Association, and the Mill Road Thresherman Association.

Bernadine and Clifford retired to rural Beecher City Illinois in 1982. They moved to Effingham in 2008.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Clifford; parents Clarence and Veronica; and siblings, Walter, Clarence (Clib), Rosemarie, and Clarita.

Bernadine is survived by her three sons: Peter (Belle) Brandenburger of Effingham, Clyde (Patricia) Brandenburger of Chicago, and Paul (Diane) Brandenburger of Lockport, Illinois. Bernadine was the grandmother of nine and the great-grandmother of 21.

A funeral mass will be held at 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, April 17 at St. Anthony of Padua Catholic Church, Effingham, with burial at Woodlawn Cemetery following the mass. Arrangements are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham.

The family requests no flowers, please. Memorials may be made in Bernadine's name to Ballard Nature Center, 5253 E U.S. Hwy 40, Altamont, Illinois 62411. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here.