Bernadine B. Peckenschneider, age 94, died peacefully from an extended period of stroke complications on Sunday January 1, 2017 at the Clarence Nursing Home. Services will be Saturday January 7, 2017 at Immanuel United Church of Christ in Big Rock, IA. at 10:30 a.m. with Pastor Diane Prichard officiating. Visitation will be from 9:00 until service time at the church. Burial will be in the Maysville Cemetery. Bernadine was born to Grover and Bertha Homrighausen Horstmann on August 7, 1922 at Big Rock, Iowa. She married Lester Peckenschneider on June 6, 1946 at Wheatland. He passed away on September 23, 2006. Survivors include 2 daughters Mary(Jim)Pelzer of Tipton and Diana(Gregg)Durlam of Ankeny; grandchildren Dan Durlam, Mikel Durlam, Tracy(Andy)Pelzer-Timm, Chris Pelzer and Kurt Pelzer; great grandson Paxton Timm; sister-in-law Helen Horstmann of Minneapolis,MN. and brother-in-law Wayne Gesell of Long Grove, IA.. Bernadine was the post-master in Big Rock during WW II and sent letters to many servicemen who were friends and family, eventually marrying one of the young soldiers! She was a phone receptionist for the family business, Peckenschneider Oil Co.. Bernadine lived her life in service to others, taking care of her father after her mother's death, looking after her elderly sister, and also taking care of her husband in illness. She was active in her church and a former member of the Big Rock Ladies Aid. She was a wonderful cook/baker (with a large recipe collection) that didn't use a timer, and she also enjoyed music. Bernadine had a big heart and was a devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband; son Richard; sister Florence Bethurum; brothers Grover(Sparky), Elmer, Norman, Woodrow and Kenneth Horstmann. The family would like to thank the Clarence Nursing Home staff who provided good care to "Bernie". Memorials can be made to Immanuel United Church of Christ, Big Rock; New Liberty Fire Department; or the Bennett Ambulance.