Anne Kaefer Berquist passed away in the last hour of Friday, October 31st, at the age of 85, near her home in Galena, IL. A Memorial service will be planned for a later date. The Furlong Funeral Chapel in Galena is assisting the family. She is survived by her husband Charles Berquist, her brother Will Kaefer (wife Mary Hearn), her three children, Christopher Werhane (wife Lynn), David Werhane (wife Jill), and Cynthia Werhane (spouse Sandy Sadowitz), and four grandchildren; Ally Dane (husband Andrew), Nate Werhane (wife Jenn), Sofie Werhane, and Henry Werhane, and her great-grandchild Wilder Werhane. She is also survived by her two stepchildren, Aura Leigh Borrett (husband Mike) and Brady Berquist (wife Kim), her two step-grandchildren, Dane and Davin Berquist, and their spouses. Anne was preceded in death by her parents, Bert and Barbara Kaefer. Anne grew up in Wilmette and Northbrook, IL, and graduated from Glenbrook North and Northern Illinois University. Once her children were grown, she remarried and built her dream home on a lake in the Galena Territory. Her two most favorite jobs in life were raising her children and being a substitute teacher for students with special needs. Throughout her life Anne had a great many hobbies and interests; Arts & Crafts, supporting her sorority Alpha Xi Delta, sports, swimming, actively working with community activities and associations, Scouting, Church, and supporting her local Volunteer Fire Department (VFD). However, the biggest loves of her life were most definitely her flower gardens, feeding the native birds and wildlife, and relentlessly cheering on the Chicago Cubs… usually from the bleachers. If you are interested in giving a memorial, the children ask that you please do one (or more) of the following;
Donate blood. Help a child go to summer camp. Support your local animal shelter. Support the Special Olympics. When the winter gets harsh-feed the birds. Help your local VFD. Plant something this spring that the birds or butterflies will enjoy. Or even just simply strike up a friendly conversation with the stranger sitting next to you at the ball game.
Chuck,
My deepest condolences.In spite of having lost touch with Anne over the years… I hold fond memories of the good times we spent with garden club and gourmet lunch activities. Her contributions to others in The Galena Territory are recognized & appreciated.
God Bless You & Yours,
Sharon
My sincere sympathy to all of Ann’s family. Her kindnesses will long be remembered and missed.
May you all find comfort as you remember how special she was.
I remember working with Anne on recognition dinners for our firemen. She was a ball of energy and contributed so much to the well being of The Galena Territory.
So very sorry for your loss. I have fond memories of and Chuck in the early years at The Galena Territory! Especially one Christmas I got to view their home with the most beautiful decorations. My deepest sympathy and prayers
So many of my childhood memories include Aunt Anne. She loved her family deeply and had a very generous heart. I am so sorry for her passing ❤️
sending you so much love. i really appreciate how you guide us to pay it forward while we can continue to do so. blessings to you all
Anne was an important part of my early marriage years, and Aunt to our children. She was a friend, a support, a defender, and a person who always looked to help where she could. She was an active person in every group or organization she joined. Anne was a force to be reckoned with; a force for good. I will miss not having her here on earth.
Chuck,
Sorry tor your loss of Ann. She brought so much joy to you and your family. A beautiful person!
Chuck and Family,
Sending hugs and my deepest sympathy your way. I had the pleasure of working with Anne on creating some jewelry treasures for her.
Dear Chuck and family,
Our sincere condolences to all of you. Anne was a friend and neighbor. She was treasure and inspiration to the community and will be missed. Our thoughts and prayers are with Anne and her family.
Anne was a joy to talk with about wild birds and gardening. I have many fond memories of seeing Anne and Chuck at our bird store. My deepest sympathies to Chuck and her entire family. Surely the birds in The Galena Territory are singing in her honor right now!
This note is from Beverly Gollan and Nancy Tilschner. We were roommates with Anne in our first year of college. We are visiting and decided to look up Anne. We were so sorry to see she has passed away. We so enjoyed her and we are sorry for your loss.
A wonderful lady who will never be forgotten. Bev Coffey