Bernice Knapp

Washington – Bernice Knapp, 79, of Washington, died at 3:45 AM on Wednesday, February 6, 2013 at her residence. She was born on August 16, 1933 in Peoria to Edward and Mary R. Hoeppner McIntyre. She married Robert Knapp on April 23, 1960 in Peoria at St Boniface Catholic Church. He survives. She is also survived by six children; Mark (Lorrie) Knapp of Eureka, and their children Jesse Scott and Abigail Knapp, Joe (Heather) Knapp of Eureka, and their child Jaden Wadas, Robert (Kirsten) Knapp of Naperville and their children Caleb and Lindsey, Randy (Terri) Knapp of Bloomington and their children Dallas and Dalton, Susan (Kyle) Day of Wataga, IL and their children Carolynn and Elizabeth and Eric (Molly) Knapp of Eureka and their children Jacob and Meghan, one great-grandchild Truitt Scott, one sister; Ann (Ray) Schraeder of Tuscon, AZ and one brother; Bernard (Pat) McIntyre of Sterling, IL. She was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers and four sisters. Before marrying Bob, Bernice worked for both the Greater Peoria Credit Bureau and the Peoria Police Department doing administrative work. After her marriage she stayed at home and raised her six children. She loved her family, especially her grandchildren. She enjoyed baking and made wedding cakes out of her home for many years. She also enjoyed knitting, crocheting and sewing. Bernice was a very active woman. She was Past PTA President and School Board President, as well as a room parent and kitchen worker at St. Patrick Catholic School. She was also a member of St. Patrick Catholic Church where she was past president of the Woman’s Guild. She was a member of the Hibernian Society in Peoria. She was also part of “Sister Act” that traveled and performed songs from the movie Sister Act in the central Illinois area as well as for the Bishop for 10 years. Bernice battled hard against several illnesses for well over twenty years. The family would especially like to thank Eli Lilly and Company for the great care and generosity they showed the family over the years.There will be a Funeral Mass on Saturday February 9, 2013 at 10 AM at St. Patrick’s Catholic Church in Washington. There will be a prayer vigil at 5 pm on Friday February 8, 2013 at Deiters Funeral Home and Crematory in Washington, where visitation will follow from 5:15 -7pm. Recitation of the Rosary will be at 7 pm. Additional visitation will be one half hour prior to the service at the church on Saturday. Burial will be in Hillcrest Memory Gardens in Morton.

Bernice Knapp

August 16, 1933 - February 6, 2013