Memorial

Jessie Marie Bernacki, of Independence, Iowa, passed away on Wednesday, April 8, at the University of Iowa Hospitals and Clinics at the age of 65.

In accordance with Jessie’s wishes, her body was donated to the Iowa Donor Network. Through her donation, she was able to help over 50 families.

A private family graveside service will take place on Friday, April 17, at 2:00 PM at The Last Supper at Cedar Memorial Cemetery in Cedar Rapids, Iowa.

Jessie was born on February 23, 1961, in Waterloo, Iowa, the daughter of Edward Joseph and Wanda Mable (Farmer) Bernacki. She graduated from Prairie High School in 1979.

Jessie spent her life working in the restaurant industry. She owned Jessie’s Place in Hazleton, Iowa. After the Parkersburg EF-5 tornado on May 25, 2008, Jessie opened both her doors and her heart, feeding everyone for free who was involved in helping with the disaster.

Jessie had numerous friends in the Hazleton and Independence areas. Most special to her was Sunday brunch with her girlfriends, and she always looked forward to that time.

She is survived and lovingly remembered by her brothers, David Bernacki of Cedar Rapids, Iowa, Dan (Clara) Bernacki of North Liberty, Iowa; brother-in-law, Jake Heiner of Springfield, Iowa; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Edward and Wanda Bernacki; her sisters, Debra Jo Stevens and Beth Heiner; and her stepmother, Doris Bernacki.

In lieu of flowers, the family respectfully requests that memorials be made to your local food pantry