Catherine Jeanice Berra Bleem

Catherine Jeanice Berra Bleem went to meet Our Lord on Thursday, November 2, 2023 at Arc at El Paso in El Paso, IL. Born on November 24, 1935 in Herrin, IL, she was the first child of Reynold Berra and Teresa Marlo Berra. After receiving a B.S. in nursing from DePaul School of Nursing, St. Louis, she married John James Bleem on December 27, 1956. John and Catherine owned and operated C&J's Milky Way organic dairy farm for many years in Walsh, IL. Husband John, sister Rennie Hughes, and great grandsons Everett James Bleem & Jedidiah Michael Konvicka proceeded her in death. Catherine was a member of St. Patrick's Catholic Church in Havana, IL. She was the loving mother of Jeanice (Jerry) Kaiser of Troy, MO, John (Anita) Bleem of Fort Collins, CO, Dr. Bernard (Jackie) Bleem of Normal, IL, James (Suzanne) Bleem of Sparta IL, & Dr. Renold (Melanie) Bleem of Havana, IL. Lovingly known as 'Granny B' to her grandchildren & great grandchildren: Deven (Maggie) Bleem & their children Henry, Theodore, Lawrence, & Benjamin; Bradley & (Anastasia) Bleem & their children Braden & Bennett; Nathan (Megan) Bleem & their children Molly & Luka, Catrina Kaiser, Alissa Bleem, Jerrad Kaiser, Eric Bleem, Samuel Bleem, McKenna (Nathan) Konvicka, Benjamin Bleem and Holly Bleem. Catherine was a homemaker but also worked as a home health nurse and a teacher's aid. Throughout her life Catherine enjoyed many hobbies & was an avid volunteer. She enjoyed writing & and she published many books including poetry, cookbooks, and numerous genealogical books. Other volunteer activities include: reenacting one room schoolhouse activities at the eight-cornered schoolhouse in Schuline, IL, she was a member of the Randolph County genealogical society, Mason County 4-H advisor for gardening. She was a founding member of the Riverside Club Restoration Committee in Havana IL, she loved her personal garden and could be found volunteering at St. Patrick's in the flower beds as well. She volunteered for numerous programs in Mason County, IL, she enjoyed doing puzzles and sat with many of her cherished homebound friends as often as she could. Catherine will be interred at San Carlo Cemetery in Herrin, IL on March 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. with Fr. Mark Reyling officiating. Memorial contributions may be made in Catherine's name to the Mason County Genealogical and Historical Society, Mason County 4-H, or to the donor's choice of organization. Online condolences can be left for her family at www.hurleyfh.com. Hurley Funeral Home in Havana is in charge of arrangements.

Catherine Jeanice Berra Bleem

November 24, 1935 - November 2, 2023

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