Bernard Francis Saunders, age 83 of Warren passed away Monday, June 12, 2023 at home surrounded by his loving family. He was born on September 20, 1939 to Francis (Luke) and Berneice (Hall) Saunders. He married the love of his life Barbara Clark on February 11, 1961 in Darlington, Wisconsin at Holy Rosary Catholic Church.
Bernie had a degree in people skills and successful career starting with opening “The B & B” bar and retiring from Monroe Truck Equipment in 2001.
To know Bernie was to be made to feel special. All he ever wanted in life was a close family and to be around and spoil those he loved. Bernie took pride in teaching each of his grandchildren how to drive a car starting at the age of 11. He often had a twinkle in his eye and a grin on his face. He always had a joke up his sleeve and a Werther in his pocket.
Bernie was a man who would give the shirt off his back for a complete stranger. He taught his family that “it doesn’t cost a penny to stop and say hello to someone.” You could frequently find him bringing treats or trinkets to family, friends, and dogs, sitting around a table playing cards, drinking an Old Fashioned, making grasshopper ice cream, driving to Apple River on Monday nights, going to breakfast, or visiting around a fire at the campgrounds.
Bernie was a rebel with the kindest heart. He loved reminiscing on his past shenanigans of his wild youthful days. He was the epitome of chivalrous, ensuring his wife Barb never once pumped gas in her car throughout their 62 years of marriage.
Survived by his wife, Barbara Saunders (Clark), and their three daughters Deb (Fritz) Wolff of Warren, IL, Diane (Jeff) Ege of Warren, IL, and Darla (Trent) Homb of Rockford, IL. He had 7 grandchildren: Brynn (Dennis) Groezinger, Adam (Andrea) Ege, Ben (special friend Amber) Wolff, Ashley (Ryan) Wills, Kaytlin (Joshua) Cox, Rebecca Homb, and Anna Homb. Great grandchildren: Grace, Will, Hayden, Drew, Peyton, Jackson, Camden, Cooper, Addey, Ayla, Wesley, and Kaiden. He is also survived by his sister Kathryn (Ray) Reed, in-laws Millie (Dennis) Murphy, Meg (Paul) Karajewski, and Ken VonRueden.
He is preceded in death by his parents Luke and Berneice, his brother Donald (Charlene), his son Denis, his great granddaughter Maggie, his sister-in-law Joyce VonRueden, and his beloved dog Buddy.
The visitation will be at St. Ann’s Catholic Church Friday, June 16th from 4-7pm followed by a service on Saturday, June 17th at 11am with the burial at St. Ann’s Catholic Cemetery. There will be a celebration of life and catered luncheon following the service at Apple River Event Center.
The family would like to give a special thanks to SSM Monroe Hospice.
In lieu of flowers, a memorial fund has been established in his name for the Warren Fire Department, the Warren EMS, and the SSM Monroe Hospice.
Condolences may be sent to the family at www.leamonfh.com.
