Bernice C. Koltz

Bernice Catherine Koltz, 85, beloved wife of John, passed away surrounded by loving family on Saturday, March 4, 2023, to be at peace with God.

Bernice was born in Harvard, IL on March 8, 1937, daughter of Edward and Mabel (Walsh) Knippen. She graduated from Harvard High School, Class of 1954. Soon after, Bernice started her life-long career in office management with Andrews Plumbing, then to Fisher’s Carriage House and ended with Dr. Warren Lowry’s office staff.

In 1965, Bernice married the love of her life, John L. Koltz. They spent 57 very happy years together. Bernice was a lifetime member of St. Rita Catholic Church. She loved to cross stitch and go on travel trips to Arizona and Las Vegas. She also enjoyed many Friday night visits to the Harvard Moose Lodge. She was an avid fan of the Chicago Cubs and Bears. Most of all, Bernice cherished her time spent with family and friends, making memories and enjoying many family activities.

Surviving relatives include her husband, John Koltz; children, Richard Blank, David (Connie) Blank and Diane Blank; John’s children, Lucetta (Fred) Krchak, Kathy (Al) Willie and Janice (Dan) Terlikowski; grandchildren, Randy (Kelly) Blank, Brittney Myers, Ashley (Donnie) Wilson; great-grandchildren, Mackinzie Reimer, Christopher Stewart, Madison Wilson; great-great-grandchild, Colton Artz. Bernice is predeceased by her son, Officer Randall Blank; parents, Edward (Mabel) Knippen; sisters, Mary Dewey, Pat Church and Sandy (Dave) Ruehlman.

A funeral Mass will be held on Friday, March 10, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. located at St. Rita Catholic Church, 6254 Valley Knoll Dr, Rockford, IL 61109. Memorial visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. until time of Mass, also in the church. Burial will conclude in Calvary Catholic Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Bernice’s name to OSF Home Health and OSF Hospice.

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