Betty Jean “Grandma Pete” Bernahl, age 98 of Sycamore, Illinois died peacefully at Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital in DeKalb, Illinois on September 11, 2024. 

She was born September 12, 1925, in DeKalb, the daughter of Carl and Eva (Listy) Bocklund. 

Betty was the second oldest of twelve children. She married Louis Bernahl on November 28, 1942.  Louis and Betty lived and farmed near Cortland, Illinois.  In addition to helping on the farm, Betty worked at NIU food services for thirty-two years.  Many as a manager.  She was a lifetime member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, DeKalb, IL.

In Betty’s younger years she enjoyed dancing, fishing and getting together with friends for card games.  In later life, Grandma Pete enjoyed watching her great-grandchildren in sports and activities.  She also enjoyed cooking and baking. 

Betty is survived by her children Sharon (Dennis) Hetland of Monroe, WI and Linda (Ron) Hammes of Sycamore, IL.  In addition, she is survived by seven grandchildren and two step-grandchildren, sixteen great-grandchildren and five step-great-grandchildren, eight great-great-grandchildren and four step-great-great-grandchildren and several nieces and nephews. 

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Louis in 2006; her sisters Doris, Mildred, Beverly, Julia and Janet; her brothers Floyd (Sonny), Arnold, Dale, Carl (Unk) and Robert also Merlon in infancy. 

The funeral service will be held at 1:30 p.m. Monday, September 16, 2024, at Immanuel Lutheran Church, 511 Russell Rd, DeKalb, IL. Burial will follow at Fairview Park Cemetery in DeKalb.

Visitation will be at from noon until the time of service at 1:30 p.m. at the Church.

For information, visit www.AndersonFuneralHomeLtd.com or call 815-756-1022.