Tribute & Message From The Family
Bernice R. Etten, age 96, of McHenry, passed away peacefully on Thursday evening, November 12, 2020, at Fox Point Manor in McHenry.
Bernice was born January 8, 1924, in Johnsburg, the daughter of Fred and Barbara (Steffes) Diedrich. On August 5, 1942, Bernice married the love of her life, Clarence J. Etten, in Johnsburg. Bernice and Clarence celebrated 58 years of marriage before Clarence passed away in 2000.
Bernice was a longtime member of St. Mary Catholic Church in McHenry, where she was active in the Council of Catholic Women, a past "Woman of Inspiration" from St. Mary Parish and spent many hours as a church volunteer, cleaning the church and assisting with the church rummage sale. She was also an active member of the American Legion Auxiliary. More than anything, Bernice was a loving and proud mother, grandma and great-grandma.
Bernice is survived by her loving sons: James (Mary Kay) Etten of McHenry, Kenneth (Diane) Etten of Lake Geneva, WI, Allen (Sandy) Etten, Donald (Kathi) Etten, and Michael (Diane) Etten, all of McHenry; grandchildren: Brian (Kristen) Etten, Diane Bakker, Eric Etten, Julie (Phil) Dantuma, Tom (Stephanie) Etten, Allison (Frank) Woodin, Emily Etten, and Ashley (David) Rathsack; and great-grandchildren: Jack, Grier & Cameron Etten, Jillian Dantuma, Madeline, Violet & Frankie Woodin, Noah, Jocelyn & Isaac Etten, and Nolan & William Rathsack. She is further survived by brother-in-law: William Etten of Richmond; and numerous nieces and nephews.
In addition to her parents, Fred and Barbara Diedrich, and husband, Clarence Etten, Bernice is preceded in death by brothers: Edward, Leo, Elmer, and Clarence Diedrich; and sister, Bertha Hergott.
Due to current Covid-19 pandemic private family services will be held on November 17, 2020, at Colonial Funeral Home in McHenry followed by Funeral Mass at St. Mary Catholic Church, in McHenry. Bernice will be laid to rest at St. Mary Catholic Cemetery. Celebration of Bernice's life will take place at a later date in 2021.
In lieu of flowers memorials/donations may be directed to St. Mary Catholic Church in Bernice's name.
Condolence & Memory Journal
She was a special Lady.Our sympathy to al lthe Families on the passing of your loved one. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the Families at this time of sorrow. We enjoyed cleaning church with her/
Posted by
Don & Nancy Blake - Friend December 02, 2020
Don and Kathi, I know how much you loved your mom and I'm sorry for your loss. God bless. John and Kathy Pletz.
Posted by
John Pletz Pletz - Crystal Lake, IL - Friend November 26, 2020
A sweetheart of a blessed woman. My condolences to all of the boys and their families. Always a smile from her when we met. I will miss seeing her. I know she's up there watching over everyone.
Posted by
Mary Ann Klapperich - Friend November 17, 2020
I am sure Sandy was waiting in Heaven to welcome Aunt Bernice. What a Great Lady. Will miss Them
Both. Her Godson Dick
Posted by
Richard Diedrich - Twin Lakes, WI - Grandchild November 17, 2020
Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of you. I'm going to really miss Aunt Bernice and so enjoyed my conversation's with her. So many happy memories of the families getting together. All the late night Aggravation games! The laughter - the smiles & the love that was always shared. May she enjoy eternal life along with the rest of her family. Love you always Aunt Bernice.
Dave & Linda (Diedrich) Schmitt
Posted by
Dave & Linda (Diedrich) Schmitt - Family November 17, 2020
Pete & I are so sorry to hear about your Mom, Al &Sandi. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the family at this time.
Posted by
Carol & Pete Buss - Mchenry, IL - Friend November 17, 2020
Our Condolences to the Etten Family. Aunt Bernice was one of our favorites, I will always remember her smiling and dancing. What a Beautiful person inside and out. Dance in Heaven with Uncle Clarence. We miss you both.
Posted by
Tim and Helen Huffar - Woodstock, IL - Family November 17, 2020
Condolences to Bernice's family - she was such a sweet neighbor and we enjoyed conversations over the fence when she was picking her raspberries and I was mowing my lawn.
Posted by
A friend November 17, 2020
Please accept our deepest sympathy with the loss of your mom, what a beautiful woman. We have so many wonderful memories of her, as a child visiting with the family at the farm, wonderful times her and mom spent together for more than 90 years, what a blessing they had with a true and long lasting friendship. May beautiful memories surround each and everyone. Our love and prayers to all of you,
Phyllis and Wally Marciniak
Posted by
Phyllis & Wally Marciniak - Ringwod, IL - Friend November 17, 2020
Our condolences go out to all the family members. We have great memories of our families getting together. Bernice and Clarence were special friends of our parents, who knew each other since their younger days. Bernice always had that nice smile. She was a special person and was always there for our Mother. Sending our love to all the family.
Posted by
Fred and Janice Guptill - Topsham, ME November 17, 2020
So sorry for your loss. She was a very kind lady and had a lovely smile!
Posted by
Sheri Piontek (Etten) - DePere, WI - Family November 16, 2020
The picture of Aunt Bernice made me smile. She was the aunt who always made a person feel special. She was both beautiful inside and out. My sisters all said that we hoped we had Aunt Bernice's genes. Aunt Bernice left behind a great family as my sympathies go out to my cousins.
Posted by
Marlene Diedrich Stevens - Twin Lakes, WI - Family November 15, 2020
Such a beautiful lady inside and out! We know your dancing with Uncle Clarence in heaven.....still can see both of you loving being together floating across the dance floor. Sending our love and prayers to the family.
Posted by
JoAnn & Bob Harrington - Delavan, WI - Family November 15, 2020
My beautiful awesome funny Aunt, you will be so missed in our family.
Posted by
Nancy Gleason - Glowacki - Lena, WI - Family November 15, 2020
