Submitted by: Dan Rich

Beverly Walerko

April 13, 1925 - July 20, 2008

South Bend Tribune 7/22/2008
MISHAWAKA - Beverly Walerko, 83, of Bittersweet Cove Drive, Mishawaka, passed away in her home surrounded by her loving family. She was born April 13th, 1925, in Mishawaka, to Lester and Esther (Henning) Weinkauf, who both preceded her in death. As Beverly Weinkauf, she married Frank Walerko in Mishawaka on June 12, 1948. He survives with six children, Barbara Walerko of Schaumburg, IL, Rebecca (Carl) Dierking of Juneau, Alaska, Dr. Frank (Tonya) Walerko of Granger, Pamela Walerko Hass of Eau Claire, MI, Dr. Philip (Erin) Walerko of Bedford, VA, and Mark (Cristy) Walerko of Mentone, IN. 16 grandchildren and four great-grandchildren also survive with her brother, the Right Reverend Richard Weinkauf of New York City. Her family remembers her as a loving, devoted, generous and talented wife and mother who brought inspiration, creativity, joy and laughter to her family, friends and the community organizations for which she was active. Mrs. Walerko received her nursing degree at St. Vincent School of Nursing in Indianapolis. As a registered nurse she worked at several area hospitals including Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, Memorial Hospital of South Bend and St. Vincent's Hospital, Indianapolis. She was also a member of the St. Joseph County Medical Society Auxiliary, the Indiana State Medical Association Auxiliary and was a member of the Auxiliary to the American Urological Association. She was a volunteer for the American Red Cross, where she taught newborn infant care and babysitters care classes. She was a patient representative at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center. She was a past member of the Morris Park Country Club along with her husband, Frank, for 40 years. She was a cadet in the United States Nursing Corps.

Visitation will be from 5 to 8 p.m. today, July 22nd, in the Bubb Funeral Chapel. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held in St. Monica Catholic Church, Mishawaka, on Wednesday, July 23rd, at 11 a.m., with visitation one hour prior to Mass. Entombment will follow at St. Joseph Valley Memorial Park. The family would like to express their thanks and appreciation to all those who provided superb and dignified care to Beverly and her family during very difficult times. This includes the physicians and staff at Saint Joseph Regional Medical Center, with recognition to the staff at Our Lady of Peace Hospital. Thanks also to the St. Joseph Visiting Nurse Association and to The Center for Hospice. And, lastly, to Mrs. Jeannine Campbell and her group of competent caregivers who made it possible for Beverly to be in her own home with dignity, compassion and love. For those interested, the family has requested that memorial contributions be made to The Cancer Research Foundation, c/o University of Chicago, 5841 South Maryland Avenue, MC1140, Chicago, IL 60637, 1-773-702-6566. Please specify that memorial donations be directed to pancreatic cancer research.