Bernadette “Bernie” A. Hilby, nee Berning, 91, of Dubuque, passed away peacefully on April 8, 2024 at StoneHill Care Center.

Visitation will be on Friday, April 12, 2024 from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at the Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home & Crematory, 2659 JFK Rd, Dubuque. And Saturday from 9:00-10:15 a.m. at Resurrection Catholic Church, Dubuque. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 10:30 a.m., with Rev. Phil Gibbs officiating. Burial will follow at Resurrection Cemetery.

Bernadette was born on March 19, 1933 to Aloysius and Emma (Wiederholt) Berning in Sinsinawa, WI.

She graduated in 1951 from St. Clara Academy in Sinsinawa,WI.

She was united in marriage to Douglas Hilby on October 17, 1953.

Sense of community and family were central to Bernadette’s life. She loved her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and extended family sharing her warmth via cards, gifts and recognition. An enthusiastic hostess and conversationalist, Bernadette was known for her beautiful smile, style, and generosity.

Bernadette was a devout Catholic whose life was guided by faith, love and trust in the Lord. Bernadette was a long time active member of Resurrection parish, and embraced all God’s gifts.

She found joy in gardening & canning, photography, traveling, selling, collecting, cheering on local sports teams & the ISU Cyclones, and engaging in lively games of euchre. A young Bernadette was an accomplished softball player on the Gold Medal Team.

Bernadette is survived by her loving husband, Doug and their eight children.

Daughter-in-law, Cyndy Hilby and her children Matthew (Sarah), Kathleen (Neal) Mulville.

James Hilby, and his son Jason (Elizabeth), and step-sons Derek (Jane) Kulikauskas, Neil (Emily) Kulikauskas.

Michael (Janet) Hilby, and their children Timothy (Danielle), Elizabeth (Bryan) Underwood, Laura (Benjamin) Currie, Ryan.

Kevin (Diane) Hilby, and their children Benjamin (Anne), Joseph (Mariah), Daniel (Jessica), Abigail (Nicholas) Thompson, Sarah, Nathan (Holly), Deborah (fiance Josh), Rebekah (John) Herra, Elizabeth (Nathan) Littlejohn, Isaac, Adam, Maria (Joseph)Krein, Rachel.

Cheryl (Kevin) Kuenster, and their children Hannah (John) Fox, Andrea, Mary Kae.

Patrice (Patrick) Brimeyer, and her sons Scott (Joanna) Johnson, Eric (Kelsey) Johnson, and his sons Dakota, Nathaniel (fiance Alex).

Lisa (Kurt) Urdahl, Samuel (fiance Dee), Jack, Julia, Thomas.

Brian (Bridget) Hilby, and their children Madeline, Luke, Olivia.

Charles (Anne) Hilby, and their children Patrick, Cecelia, Charles, and John.

And 48 great-grandchildren.

Six siblings; MaryAnn (Eugene) Wessling, Jerry (Marilyn) Berning, Lloyd (Janet) Berning, Joyce (Ron) Lansing, John (Ellen) Berning, Mark (Jane) Berning and 2 sister-in-laws, Jeanine Hilby & Mary Berning.

She was preceded in death by her parents; in-laws William and Vida Hilby; son Steven Hilby; daughter-in-law Clara Hilby; siblings Richard, Jenelle, and Clarence (Judy) Berning.

Bernadette’s family extends a heartfelt thank you to the wonderful staff at Stonehill Care Center for the compassionate care given to her. Your kindness will not be forgotten.

Memorials can be given to Dubuque Holy Family Catholic Schools or Resurrection Catholic Church.

The Egelhof, Siegert & Casper Funeral Home & Crematory is entrusted with arrangements.