Bernard "Bernie" L. Wedekind

Bernard (Bernie) Leroy Wedekind, 75 of Rockford, passed away after a battle with Lewy Body Dementia on Tuesday, October 17, 2017. Bernie was born on April 18, 1942 to Leroy Wedekind and Alvina Beatrice (Valland) Nelson in Dixon, Illinois. He was an E-4 rank in the Air Force and worked primarily in construction most of his life. During his retirement years he found Arizona to be the place he most enjoyed relaxing and developed many strong relationships there. Bernie was a kind and gentle man who loved photography, bird watching, working in his yard and rock garden, along with spending time with his children and grandchildren and traveling with his wife.
Bernie left us too soon, but his life and influence will always be remembered by those who knew him best. He was a loving husband, father, and grandfather, and we will miss him dearly. The family would like to thank Transitions Hospice care staff for their excellent care and compassion. A special thank you to the staff at Generations at Neighbors Nursing home for helping to make his final days more comfortable.

He is survived by his wife Bonnie Wedekind; his children, Angela (Mark) Kneller, Adam (Gina) Wedekind, Tammy (John) Quann, Lisa (Louie) Fonda ; grandchildren, Taylor, Trenton, Kylie, Emily, Dylan, Kyle, Brady, Nathan, Isaiah, and great-granddaughter Emma; brothers, Larry Wedekind, Tim Nelson. Bernie is predeceased by his parents.

A memorial service will be held at 2:00 PM, Friday, October 27, 2017; at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Rd., Rockford, IL, 61108. Share condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com. In lieu of flowers please make donations to help others benefit from a cure; Lewy Body Dementia Research foundation at https://www.lbda.org/content/ways-to-give.