Betty was born in Waukegan, IL, on September 7, 1925, to Michael and Matilda (nee: Lohfink) Opitz. She attended school in Waukegan and graduated from Waukegan Township High School in 1943. Prior to marriage Betty was employed at American Can Company in Illinois. Betty was united in marriage to Jacob W. Bernhardt at St. Joseph Church in Waukegan on May 21, 1955. She was a devoted Cubs fan for over 70 years attending her last game at Wrigley Field on September 21, 2008, still hoping for a World Series Championship. Betty enjoyed dancing, playing cards with friends, taking pictures and playing the piano. She also enjoyed trips to Tomahawk and her favorite hobbies: shopping and researching her family history.She is survived by her husband, Jacob Bernhardt; children, Joyce Mattner and Lloyd Bernhardt; beloved granddaughter, Melody Rose Mattner; brother, Joseph (Joyce) Opitz of Waukegan, IL; sisters-in-law, Lorraine Opitz of Gurnee, IL, Elsie (Clifford) Brander and Dorothy Kupper; brother-in-law, Harvey (Joan) Bernhardt all of Racine. Betty is also survived by many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, godchildren, other relatives and many friends. She was preceded in death by her brothers, Michael (Virginia) Opitz, John (Helen) Opitz, Albert Opitz, and George Opitz; sister, Katherine (Otto) Marcussen; and brothers-in-law, Edward Bernhardt and Peter Kupper.
Mass of Christian Burial for Betty will be held at St. Patrick Catholic Church, 1100 Erie St., on Monday, March 2, 2009, at 10:30 a.m. with Rev. Ricardo Martin officiating. Interment will follow in Ascension Cemetery in Libertyville, IL. Relatives and friends may meet with the family at the funeral home on Sunday evening from 5 p.m. until 8 p.m. and on Monday morning at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of Mass. Memorials to the family have been suggested.
The family would like to extend their gratitude to all of the relatives and friends who visited, called, sent cards or flowers and kept us in their thoughts and prayers during Betty’s illness.
Purath-Strand Funeral Home & Crematory
3915 Douglas Ave., Racine (262) 639-8000
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