Bernice Malec, 86, died peacefully Tuesday, November 15, 2016, in her home. She was the beloved wife of Dr. Robert E. Malec for 62 years. She and her husband recently moved to Harrison Township, Michigan, after residing in St. Louis for more than 35 years.

Born in Chicago to the late Helen and Paul Jaeger, Bernice was the middle of three children. She was predeceased by her older sister, Helen Maty.

Bob's work took the family on various moves throughout the years to the Birmingham, Michigan area, then to St. Louis. While residing in St. Louis, Bernice was employed by the Concordia Historical Society. She was a life long Lutheran who found joy in sharing her faith and roots with all. Since 2004, the family resided in the Lutheran Cottage Colony at Camp Arcadia, Arcadia, Michigan during summer months. Bernice continued her love of Lutheran history and genealogy by volunteering countless hours at the Lutheran Camp Archives.

She is survived by her husband, Robert; sons, Rev. Raymond Malec, and his wife Jane Pearson of Bethlehem, PA and Daniel Malec with whom she resided; brother, Paul (Linda) Jaeger of Oak Lawn, IL; grandchildren, Johanna Malec, Christina (Kevin) Haas, Andrea Malec and Michael (Melissa) Malec; great grandsons, Jaxson and Rowan.

Services will be held at 2 p.m. Tuesday, November 22, 2016, in Our Shepherd Lutheran Church, 14 Mile Road, Birmingham, MI. A private family burial will be held on November 23, in the Pilgrim Home Cemetery, Arcadia, MI.

In lieu of flowers, memorials would be appreciated to Camp Arcadia, Box 229, Arcadia, MI 49613.