Obituaries
Obituary for Bertha "Berdie" Williams
Bertha “Berdie” Williams, 78, of Prophetstown, IL, was born to Willy and Anna Riebniger on June 13, 1944, in Chicago, Illinois. After graduating from St. Catherine of Siena in 1962, Berdie attended night school and worked at a law firm in Chicago. She was the beloved and devoted wife of Dawson “Butch” Williams whom she married on August 14, 1965. Berdie and Butch went on to have two children, Timothy and Pamela. Choosing to raise their family in the suburbs, they were longtime residents of Bolingbrook, Illinois. In 1979, Berdie began her career working for Joliet Junior College, North Campus. She retired in 2005, after 26 years, and moved to Prophetstown, IL where she found a quieter way of life. She really enjoyed having the Rock River in her own back yard. In the cold months, she traveled south with Butch to be a “Winter Texan” and take advantage of the better weather. Berdie cherished her family and always put others first. She was especially a proud grandma to her four grandchildren, Shannon, Connor, Danielle, and Abigail. She enjoyed taking pictures, collecting rocks and shells found on her travels with Butch, scary movies, cardinals, and turtles. She welcomed various pets to their home over the years, including dogs, cats, bunnies, fish, hamsters, a guineapig, and yes, turtles, too.
After a short struggle with an aggressive cancer, Berdie passed away in her sleep on the evening of January 1, 2023 at University of Iowa Hospital. Berdie will forever be remembered by family and friends for her heart of gold.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Willy and Anna (Stadler) Riebniger, her sister, Elizabeth Rosland, and niece, Karol Rosland, father and mother-in-law, Calvin and Rosemary (Crane) Williams.
Berdie is survived by her husband, Butch, of 57 years, children Timothy (Jacquelyn) Williams, Pamela (Todd) Sheetz, grandchildren, Shannon Williams, Connor Sheetz, Danielle Williams, and Abigail Sheetz, nephews Eric Rosland, John (Lori) Moore, Robert (Brenda) Moore, and niece Karen (Brian) Halstead, in addition to great nephews and nieces and their families. Berdie always enjoyed hearing all about the families and everyone’s celebrations.
Cremation rites have been accorded. There will be a memorial to celebrate the life of Berdie Williams announced for a later date.
In lieu of gifts or flowers please consider making a donation in Berdie’s name to:
Home On The Range
16351 I-94
Sentinel Butte, ND 58654
701-872-3745 phone https://hotrnd.coms
“Home On The Range is a therapeutic working ranch located in western North Dakota. The facility provides education, therapy, spiritual guidance, and recreational and work activities.” Berdie and Butch found Home on the Range an inspiring organization they learned about during their travels. They have chosen to make donations to them over the years."
To plant a tree in memory of Bertha "Berdie" Williams, visit the Tribute Store.
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