Bernice Gotto

PERRYVILLE, Mo. -- Bernice Cordula Gotto went to her heavenly home Wednesday, Jan. 19, 2022.

She was welcomed into her eternal resting place with our Heavenly Father and reunited with her husband, Joe. Bernice remained at the family home until the last day of her life. She was a faithful woman who loved the Lord and her family, and her life was full of blessings.

Bernice was born Oct. 18, 1925, to Henry I. and Julie A. Lappe) Bohnert. She was 96 years old at the time of her passing. This past October, Bernice celebrated her birthday with all eight of her children. It was a beautiful day and a joyous celebration.

Bernice and Joseph W. Gotto were married Jan. 29, 1949. As her family celebrates Bernice and her legacy Saturday, Jan. 29, let us also remember this day represents their 73rd wedding anniversary. What a glorious day to honor Bernice.

Bernice was a member of St. Vincent de Paul Parish. She was a wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and great-great-grandmother.

Her heart and legacy grew with each generation of children and grandchildren. She loved to care for people and always made you feel special. As a mother, her devotion and unconditional love was apparent to all. She was always there, ready to listen with love and words of encouragement. She was simply the best at everything she did. Bernice was an avid card player, loved bingo night and was an excellent bowler and softball player. With her beloved Joe, she enjoyed dancing and attending their family's sporting events.

She was there to support her children in everything they did. She enjoyed cooking, canning and sharing her bounty with family and friends. She had many jobs throughout her working career, but she would tell you, her greatest job was raising her eight children on the family farm. To her family she represented everything good in this world.

Survivors include six sons and two daughters, Joseph Gotto Jr. of Perryville, Michael (Cindy) Gotto of Farmington, Missouri, William (Pam) Gotto of Green Forest, Arkansas, Mark (Debbie) Gotto Sr. of Perryville, Kathleen (Dennis) Schuessler of Perryville, Steven Gotto of Perryville, Janice (Rick) Shultz of Milan, Tennessee, and Jeffrey (Connie) Gotto of Perryville; grandchildren, Sonya Shaver, Stephanie (Scott) Bronenkant, Amy (David) Derousse, Myra Gotto and Crystal Brown, Lindsey (Mike) Dudek, Matthew Schuessler, Jessica (Tim) Suiter, Mark (Becca) Gotto Jr., William (Christina) Gotto, Jenna (Shane) Christisen, Joseph (Morgan) Shultz, Levi (Brittany) Gotto and Hannah Gotto; 18 great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and her sister-in-law, Frances Bohnert of Dittmer, Missouri.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband and her siblings.

Visitation will be from 8 to 9:30 a.m. Saturday, Jan, 29, at Ford and Young Funeral Home.

Funeral Mass will be at 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 29, at St. Vincent de Paul Catholic Church, with the Rev. Joe Geders, C.M., officiating. Entombment will be in Mary Queen of Heaven Mausoleum at Mount Hope Cemetery in Perryville.

Memorial contributions may be given to Perry County District No. 32 Backpack for Kids.

Online condolences may be sent at fordandyoungfuneralhome.com.