LTC Bernadine “Bernie” Frances Peletz, age 77, of Lake Geneva, WI, unexpectedly passed away on March 2, 2025. She was born June 19, 1947 in Chicago, IL to Frank and Rosalie (née Matusak) Peletz, and grew up in Barrington, IL.

Bernie received an Illinois State Teacher’s scholarship and graduated from NIU with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Microbiology. She was awarded a research scholarship at U of I, received a Master’s Degree in Plant Pathology, and the following year, she received a Medical Technology certificate from Freeport Memorial Hospital.

She was employed at several different hospitals in administrative positions for the next ten years, one being a chief research associate for a pneumococcal pneumonia vaccine study in conjunction with Lederle Laboratory at the West Side VA Hospital.

Bernie received her Doctor of Dental Surgery from Loyola University School of Dentistry, and set up a practice as a general dentist in Crystal Lake, IL. She was also a part-time associate professor in the Physiology/Pharmacology Department and the Physiology Course Director for the Dental Hygiene Program at LUSD.

Bernie never sat still. After 27 years in dentistry, she closed her office and was commissioned as a Lieutenant Colonel in the United States Army, stationed in Fort Benning, GA. She was deployed for six months to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, then onto Presidio of Monterey Dental Clinic in Monterey, CA. She received numerous awards for devoting many hours to military and civilian communities.

Returning to civilian life, Bernie moved to Lake Geneva, WI, where she continued to volunteer at many non-profit organizations. Her most enjoyable role was at the Belfry Music Theatre. She enjoyed working with all the volunteers. It never felt like work to her, but like a home away from home. She even found time to work part-time at the Grand Geneva.

Bernie accomplished a lot in her lifetime. Always pushing herself, a high-achiever (some may say overachiever), yet she never wanted to be introduced as Dr. Peletz or LTC Peletz, just Bernie. As the saying goes, “It’s not the years in your life, but the life in your years.” Bernie made every minute of her life count!

Bernie was preceded in death by her parents; and her husband, Robert Zane Fox DDS. She is survived by her siblings, Barbara (Wallace), Carmen (Lou), and Frank; three stepchildren, Sarah, Katherine, and Jonathan; three nephews, Frank, Alex, and Michael; niece, Maisie; and her special companion, Pete.

Bernie was a vivacious individual who enjoyed life to its fullest. She loved to shop, travel the world, and enjoyed helping anybody that needed help. She will be missed by everyone who knew and loved her. So, until we meet again, as Bernie would say, “Later!”

A memorial will be held from 11:00am until funeral service at 12:00pm, Thursday, June 19, 2025, at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 357 Division Street, Elgin, IL 60120.

Interment with military honors to follow at Holcombville Cemetery, 6746–6798 Crystal Springs Road, Crystal Lake, IL 60012.

In lieu of flowers, please consider making a donation in Bernie's name to either Disabled American Veterans or the Belfry Music Theatre Foundation.

Final arrangements entrusted to Symonds-Madison Funeral Home. For more information, call 847-741-1128.