Valerie Bernecker

Valerie Roll Bernecker, age 84, passed away peacefully on September 22, 2023 with her family by her side. Val was a loving grandmother, mother, sister, wife and friend who found joy in gathering with friends and family whether on Lake Michigan, the Florida Keys or her beloved East Grand Rapids. Val was born on May 7, 1939 to E. George and Lois Roll. Val spent her childhood in Blue Island, IL where she attended Bloom High School in Homewood-Flosmoor, IL.  

After graduation from high school, Val attended Michigan State University and was an active member of Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority. At MSU she met the love of her life, Bob Bernecker and they married on July 16, 1960 and had a wonderful life with their four children. In their early years, Val & Bob moved from Albuquerque, New Mexico to Holland, MI and ultimately settled in East Grand Rapids.  

Val raised four children and left her mark on the Holland and Grand Rapids communities with her volunteer work with the Junior League, Blodgett Hospital Guild, East Grand Rapids Team Boosters and as a Board Member of the now EGR Waves swim program.  

She was passionate about sports but especially when her children or grandchildren were competing. On Saturdays in the fall, you could find Val at an MSU football game with a beautifully presented green and white tailgate. She also loved watching Hope College football and her MSU Basketball Team. She always could tell you how the Tigers and Cubs played. Val was a skilled bridge player, she continued to play up until her last days. Val was an avid golfer throughout her lifetime, winning the Womens City Championship in the 70s. She played often with friends and family at Blythefield Country Club and Kent Country Club. In addition to her skills, she also loved sharing a glass of chardonnay on ice with her friends and loved ones.  

Valerie is survived by her sister and brother-in-law, Sue and Bill Hendrick; her four children, Lori (Tim) Johnston, Kris (Brian) Ward, Mark (Shelly) Bernecker and Scott (Natalie) Bernecker. Her grandchildren include Jennifer Johnston, Mike (Ali) Johnston and Ryan (Ashlee Triyonis) Johnston; Alex, Ashley and Abby Ward; Greta and Dani Bernecker; and Billy, David and George Bernecker. She is also survived by her nieces and nephew Robin (Bruce) Lane, Shannon (Devin) McGranahan and Tavan (Karrie) Hendrick.  

Visitation will be held Wednesday from 3-6pm at the Metcalf and Jonkhoff Funeral Home.  The memorial service will be on Friday September 29th at Mayflower Congregational Church at 11am.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society, East Grand Rapids Schools Foundation or Michigan State Basketball, c/o MSU Spartan Fund (www.spartanfund.net or 517-432-4610).

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