Bernard Kinchelo "Bernie" Wardrip Obituary (1935 - 2023)

Bernard Kinchelo "Bernie" Wardrip, 88, of Bloomington, formerly of Heyworth, passed away at home Tuesday, August 29, 2023. Visitation will be from 5:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. Friday, September 1, 2023, at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home in Heyworth. His memorial service will be held 10:00 a.m. Saturday, September 2, 2023, at Calvert-Belangee-Bruce Funeral Home, Heyworth, with Jeff Mayfield officiating. Inurnment will follow in Randolph Township Memorial Cemetery, Heyworth, Illinois. Memorial donations may be made to the Covell Community Church. Bernard was born May 20, 1935, a son of William and Mollie (Limer) Wardrip. He married Doris Berkley February 1958. She passed away in 2010. He married Charlotte Peasley on June 7, 2011. She passed away in 2021. He is survived by his children, Dan (Jennifer) Wardrip, Jackie (James) Rapp, Jeffrey (Sharon) Wardrip, Greg (Dixie) Wardrip, and Kent Wardrip; three stepchildren, Brenda (Bill) Baker, Susan (Jr.) Shickel and Heidi (Joe) Cinkovich; 12 grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; 7 step grandchildren; and 5 step great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents, two wives, brother, four sisters, and one step grandchild. Bernie was a US Army veteran. He worked for Leath Furniture for over 25 years. He enjoyed hunting and fishing, but most of all, he loved to play his guitar and sing, something he had done for over 70 years. Bernie was such a positive person, never meeting a stranger, and always putting others ahead of himself. He was a loving father, grandfather, great-grandfather, and devoted friend who will be deeply missed.