Norma Mary Catherine (Wernsing) Berberich (91) of Mt. Carmel, formerly of Teutopolis

Norma Mary Catherine (Wernsing) Berberich, 91 of Mount Carmel, Illinois, passed away peacefully Wednesday, December 29, 2021, at Oakview Nursing and Rehab, surrounded by the love of her family.

She was born on April 30, 1930 in Teutopolis, Illinois, the daughter of Leo and Lillian (Probst) Wernsing. She married Ralph Martin Berberich on June 28, 1952, and they enjoyed twenty-three years together until his passing on November 20, 1975. Norma grew up in rural Teutopolis, Illinois. After graduating from Teutopolis High School, Norma served as secretary to the principal of the school. Upon her marriage to Ralph, the couple made their home in rural Mount Carmel on the family farm. Norma was devoted to working right alongside her husband and caring for their family, home and farm. Having been widowed at a young age, Norma carried on, staying true to her priorities of “faith, family and farming”. Norma loved cooking and baking for her family. She enjoyed quilting, crocheting, sewing, and embroidering beautiful things for her family. Norma was an active member of Saint Sebastian Catholic Church where she served on the parish council and volunteered in many other capacities. She was also a member of the Homemakers Extension Association, a lifetime member of the Daughters of Isabella and served as a 4-H Leader. Her greatest joy was her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Norma is survived by her children, Ann (Arthur) Johnson of Evansville IN; Kay Smith, Ph.D. of St. Jacob IL; Jean (Donald) Morgan of East Lansing MI; Steven (Sue) Berberich,of Henry IL; Lee (Tamara) Berberich of Mount Carmel; Sue (Kevin) Pixley of Mount Carmel; James (Dana) Berberich of Dunwoody GA; Jill Cates of Evansville IN; Roy (Kelly) Berberich of Mount Carmel; Gwyn (Douglas) Smith of Effingham IL and Joan Henson of Mount Carmel; twenty-eight grandchildren, Brent Johnson, Hannah Johnson, Blake (Emily) Smith, Brandon (Charlotte) Smith, Jared (Katie) Smith, Tanner (Bethany) Smith, Tyler (Angela) Morgan, Bryce (Meghan) Morgan, Kacey Berberich, Jana (Matthew) Haskin, Austin Berberich, Matthew (Julie) Berberich, Joshua Berberich, Luke (Sydnee) Berberich, Jacob Pixley, Benjamin Pixley, Ryan Berberich, Ashley Berberich, Danyelle Cates, Taylor Cates, Drew Cates, Justin Berberich, Kristin Berberich, Callaway Smith, Olivya Smith, Alexis Myers, Logan Myers, Cade Henson; twenty-one great-grandchildren; sister, Betty Schaufler; sister-in-law, Liz Wernsing and many nieces and nephews.

Norma was preceded in death by her parents; husband; infant son, Mark Berberich; brother, Leroy Wernsing; and sister, Elvira Will.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Saturday, January 8, 2022, 10:00 a.m. at Saint Sebastian Catholic Church, 4921 N. 1400 Boulevard, Mount Carmel IL with Father Robert Zwilling officiating. Burial will follow at Saint Sebastian Cemetery. The family will receive guests Friday, January 7, 2022 beginning at 4:00 p.m.- 7:30 p.m. for Visitation in the Chapel of Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mt. Carmel, IL. A Rosary Service will follow at 7:30 p.m. Social distancing, wearing of face coverings and use of hand sanitizer is recommended. Memorial donations may be made in Norma’s memory to Saint Sebastian Catholic Church or St. Mary’s Catholic School Endowment Fund. Envelopes will be available or can be mailed in care of Keepes Funeral Home, 1500 North Cherry Street, Mt. Carmel, IL 62863. Keepes Funeral Home is serving the family with the arrangements. To view Norma’s tribute wall, leave condolences and purchase flowers for the Berberich family, please do so by clicking here.