Bernadine Becker

Bernadine Becker – age 94 of Minooka, IL., passed away peacefully on November 7, 2025 at Lightways Hospice Home in Joliet, after a brief illness. Bernie was born March 4, 1931 at home in Joliet, to Clarence and Stella (Zolecki) Lange. She was delivered by her father because a blizzard prevented the doctor from getting to their home. She graduated from Joliet Township High School in 1949. She married Louis Collins, and they had three daughters, Lynne and twins Denise and Debra. She worked as a secretary at Caterpillar and Goldblatt’s. She married Richard Becker in 1972.

Bernie had a loving and giving nature, especially to her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Having a “Special Day” with Nana for their birthday is a favorite memory. She took pride in her home and was an excellent cook and baker. She delighted in the compliments she received for not looking her age. In her younger years, she enjoyed roller skating, singing with the Sweet Adelines and country line dancing with the Boot Kickers. She was a exercise nut! Later, she enjoyed doing crossword puzzles (in ink), jigsaw puzzles and reading, especially medical articles. She was an avid Chicago Bulls fan and followed Nascar and current events. As a woman of faith, she read a daily devotional.

Bernie is survived by her daughters Denise (Mike) Millsaps of Minooka and Debi (Don) Duggins of Morris; grandchildren Jessica (Nathan) Boe, Donnie (Heather) Duggins, David (Jamie) Duggins, Sean O’Brien, Dana (Dezi) Pobanz, Karey O’Brien, and Natalie O’Brien; great-grandchildren Connor Duggins, Riley (Hunter Kennedy) Duggins, Alec Boe, Talyn Boe, Alexander Duggins and Logan Duggins; one great-great-grandchild Oliver Kennedy her sister Maryann Wright and numerous nieces and nephews also survive.

She is preceded in death by her daughter Lynne Collins, her husband Richard Becker and her siblings Harold Lange and Lorraine Metesh.

Special thank you to Dr. Roumeliotis, Dr. Ramadurai, and Patricia Petersen, APN, NP-C for their care over the years and to special friends Don and Joni Meyer.

Per her request, cremation rites have been accorded. A Celebration of Life will be announced at a later date and she will be interred at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery in Elwood, IL., joining her beloved husband Dick Becker. Arrangements entrusted to the Carlson Holmquist Sayles Funeral Home & Crematory in Joliet, IL. For additional information, please call (815)744-0022 or visit WWW.CHSFUNERAL.COM.