Bernice M. Dercks, of Appleton, age 88, passed away peacefully with her family at her side on Monday, March 7, 2016 at Brookdale Assisted Living following a short illness. She was born at home in Little Chute on October 23, 1927, the daughter of the late Harold and Nellie (Van Boxtel) Hopfensperger. Bernice was a 1946 graduate of Kaukauna High School, where she was homecoming queen. Her nickname was "Red," referring to her beautiful locks.

She married Mark "Gus" Dercks on September 7, 1948 at Holy Cross Parish in Kaukauna. He was the love of her life and they spent 66 happy years together. Mom was devoted to dad, always preparing his favorite meals.

Bernice and Gus spent a great deal of time with their family at her brother Gene's cottage on Shawano Lake. They also enjoyed gathering with members of the Dercks and Hopfensperger families on Lake Poygan. Mom and Dad travelled with the family to the 1964 World's Fair in New York. They also vacationed in Hawaii, Florida, California, Alabama and Nevada and visited her brother Ken and his family in New Jersey.

Mom was a fabulous cook and baker. She was said to be the fastest pizza maker at Jack's Pizza. Her favorite T.V. program was Dancing with the Stars and dad always watched it with her. She followed all of dad's teams, including the Packers, Badgers, Brewers and Bucks.

Mom was a loving, soft-spoken person. She was dedicated to her entire family and adored her grandchildren and great grandchildren very much. Mom and Dad took us to church faithfully and she took pride in how we were dressed. Dad and the Heavenly Angels are waiting for Bernice.

Bernice is survived by her children: Lin (Don) Eckes of Appleton; Carla (Harvey) Luebben of Neenah; and Rick (Pam) Dercks of Fond du Lac; grandchildren: Heather (Brian) Swearingen, Heidi (Larry) DaRusha, Kevin (Melissa Tran) Luebben, Tammy (Brad) Sowinski, Stacy (Cory) Borys, Tim (Amy) Eckes and Melissa (Steve) Barry; and great grandchildren: Andrew and Brooke Sowinski; Grace, Caden and Austin Borys; Owen and Aiden Eckes; Breah and Ivy Barry; Lexi, Ethen and Andrea. She was dearly loved by her siblings: Audrey Long, Gary (Barb) and Dave (Mary) Hopfensperger; and sisters-in-law: May Hopfensperger, Betty (James "Quack") Peerenboom and Rita Dercks. She is further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

In addition to her parents and husband, Mark, Bernice was preceded in death by her brothers: Ken and Gene Hopfensperger; father and mother-in-law: Peter and Anna (Weyenberg) Dercks; and brothers and sisters-in-law: Pat Long, Sylvester Dercks, Clarence (Betty) Dercks and Marie (Harry) Vandenberg.

Visitation will be held Tuesday, March 15, 2016 at ST. JOHN NEPOMUCENE CATHOLIC CHURCH (323 Pine St. Little Chute) beginning at 3:00 p.m. until time of Mass at 5:00 p.m. The Rev. Msgr. James Vanden Hogen will officiate. Committal St. John Cemetery.

A special thank you to Fr. Jim, the staff at Brookdale Assisted Living and Heartland Hospice.

Mom, You've given so much of yourself to helping us along our own life journey. Thank you for being an amazing mom and role model. While we are sad you're no longer here with us on earth, we feel such joy knowing you're no longer suffering but instead, reunited with dad, in heaven with our Lord. We love you and miss you dearly. Love, Your children

Grandma, From our earliest memories, you brought fun and learning to our lives. As adults, you also showed us respect and never judged. Our lives are truly better because we were blessed with you as a grandma. We already miss you but know you're now with Jesus and heaven has just added a special (and beautiful) angel. We love you! Love, Your grandchildren

Great grandma, We'll always treasure our visits with you and grandpa. It was our special time together to show you how much we've grown, hear your sweet giggle, see your smile and enjoy your yummy treats. We are so thankful for your love and will miss you dearly. Love, Your great grandchildren