Bernice May Popkin

Bernice May Popkin, age 89, of Savanna, IL, passed away peacefully on November 28, 2025, at CGH Medical Center, in Sterling, IL. Born at home, in Mt. Carroll, IL, on May 12, 1936, she was the beloved daughter of Frank and Katie (Rausch) Butt.

On December 23, 1960, Bernice married the love of her life, Vernon Popkin, in Lanark, IL. In the early years of their marriage, they farmed outside of Mt. Carroll, before moving to Savanna.

Bernice worked for 25 years for Eaton Corp., before retiring to start Sun Valley Cab with Vern. They ran that Cab in the Savanna area for 49 years, and loved every minute of it. When a call came in, she or Vern would hop up and be on the way! This meant she often had to stop in the middle of something, and this included her beloved Mario Brothers game on the original Nintendo. Well, one time, one of her children was too impatient to wait for mom’s arrival home, and shut off the game. Let’s just say that was the last time anyone tampered with Bernice’s paused game of Mario Brothers!

Bernice had a deep appreciation for life’s simple joys. She found happiness in gardening, shopping, and watching her favorite movies. She loved to play the piano and she and Vern (with his mandolin or guitar) would play in churches, and would often visit Big Meadows Nursing home to play for the residents.

Bernice’s holiday spirit was known to all, and her Christmas decorating was legendary. She certainly brought a touch of magic to every season. But most of all, Bernice cherished her time with her family.

She is survived by her children, Dottie Breitbach, of Savanna, Karl (Nicole) Popkin, of Savanna, and Vinnie (Wendy) Popkin, of Savanna; seven grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren; and one great-great-grandson; sister, Catherine VanBrocklin, of Massbach, IL.

Bernice is preceded in death by her parents, Frank and Katie; son, Roger Butt; husband, Vern; sisters, Ruth Butt and Wilma (Wally) Salser; brother, Harold (Elaine) Butt; and son-in-law, Steve Breitbach.

Private family services will be held, with inurnment scheduled for the spring, at Savanna Township Cemetery.