Velda Bernice Gerdes, 98, of Minonk, IL, went to be with the Lord on May 4, 2024, at the Apostolic Christian Home of Roanoke.

Bernice was born on January 24, 1926, near El Paso, IL, the daughter of Tony Hayse and Mattie (Duncan) Hayse. She married Frank Gerdes on October 27, 1946, at the Nazarene Church in El Paso. They were blessed with nearly 37 years of marriage until Frank died October, 1983.

Together they raised a loving family of five: the late Stephen (Mary) Gerdes, Toluca; Stanley (Deb) Gerdes, Toluca; Phillip Gerdes, Toluca; Carol (Dana) Thompson, Elgin; and Bradley (Michelle) Gerdes, Peoria. Their family expanded to include 15 grandchildren, 34 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandson. She also is survived by her brother, Henry Hayse, Morris; her sister, Virgina Perschall, Bloomington.

Bernice was preceded in death by her husband Frank; her oldest son, Stephen; and a grandson, Aaron Stephen; and she was preceded in death by six brothers and two sisters.

Along with being a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker, through the years Bernice invested her time in creating and sharing her beautiful weaving, crocheting, and flower gardening; and devoted herself to Christian ministry. She was active in Garden Club, Home Extension, and Matron's Club. For over 60 years, she was an active member at First Baptist Church of Minonk, serving many years as a Sunday school teacher and member and president of the Women's Missionary Society. She also worked as a cook for several years at Heritage Health-Minonk.

Visitation will begin Saturday, May 11, at 9:00 am until time of funeral service at 11:00 am, at the Ruestman-Harris Funeral Home, 775 N. Chestnut, in Minonk. Interment will follow at the Minonk Township Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the First Baptist Church of Minonk or the American Cancer Society.

Tributes and condolences may be made at www.ruestmanharrisfuneralhome.com.