Pete Bernot

Pete Bernot, 83 of Benld passed away on April 21, 2018 at his residence. Pete was born in Chicago, IL on December 1, 1934 to Peter “Fish” Yanites and Mary Bernot. His parents preceded him in death.  He is survived by his wife, Wanda K. (Huffman) Bernot of Benld, formally of Staunton, his son, Jeffrey A. Bernot; Grandsons Rylee A. Bernot and Peyton M. Bernot both of Benld; Grandaughter, Ashleigh N. Feldmann of Staunton who gave him four great-grandchildren; Elexia, Jace, Emrigh, and Jax.  

Pete retired from Shell Oil Co. in Wood River, IL in 1994 after working 20 years as a laborer.  Throughout his time at Shell he only missed one day of work.  Prior to working at Shell he was a member of the Labor International Union of North America (LIUNA), Local #338 in Wood River where he worked on the construction of Interstate 55, and SIUE. In 2013 Pete was awarded a 50 Year Membership Card from LIUNA. 

Pete married Wanda on Feb. 20, 1965 after they met during a wedding.  He was a life long resident of Benld.  His Grandmother, Mary Mitchell, raised him where he learned from her to speak Lithuanian.  Pete was a business owner in Benld where he owned a bar on Central Avenue.  He was an avid quail hunter, gardener, and fisherman.  Pete loved attending men’s high school basketball games and attended the IHSA men’s state tournament for 30 consecutive years.  He would travel all over southern Illinois to watch competitive basketball. Pete loved to have good times with family and friends where his distinctive laugh would consume a room.   

What brought him joy in his life were the successes of his grandchildren.  He loved attending his grandson, Rylee’s, baseball games and watching him pitch.  Pete was never a political man until his grandson, Peyton, ran for office.  Pete loved to campaign for Peyton.  Pete was a good influence for his grandchildren. 

A celebration of life will be held at the Progressive Club in Wilsonville, IL on Saturday, April 28, 2018 at 1:00 p.m.  Williamson Funeral Home in Staunton is in charge of arrangements.  Memorials are suggested to the Benld Sports League. 

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Pete Bernot, please visit our floral store.