Berneice J. Benz

Berneice J. Benz, 92, of Park Ridge, Illinois, passed away peacefully on Saturday, April 5, 2025. Berneice was born March 25, 1933, to Bjarne and Millie Bredeson on her family’s farm near Blanchardville, Wisconsin. Berneice was raised on the farm with her eight siblings and graduated from Blanchardville High School (now known as Pecatonica High School) in 1951. Soon after, she moved to Rockford, Illinois. Berneice worked as a telephone operator at Illinois Bell until 1952, when she married James Benz. In 1953, Berneice and James started their family with the birth of their first child. From there, Berneice focused on her children, and maintaining the household. She made sure to attend her children’s sporting events year-round, and when she became a grandmother, she especially loved to cheer her grandchildren on at their events. Above all else, Berneice was a woman of her faith. She attended Good Shepherd Lutheran Church of Rockford for many years and loved to participate in their activities.

She is survived by her children, James (Margo) Benz, Alan (Carol) Benz, and Connie (Charles) Walker; grandchildren, Tim (Brett) Benz, Chris Benz, Greg (Marie) Benz, Erek (Heather) Benz, Couri Benz, Tyler Benz, Audra (Nate) Zipple, Aurora Walker, and Tyrone Walker; great-grandchildren, Brooke, Reece, and Charles; brother, Robert (MaryAnn) Bredeson; many nieces and nephews.  

Berneice was preceded in death by her husband of 69 years, James Benz; grandson, Chance Walker; parents, Bjarne and Millie.