Bernard “Bernie” A. Mack, Jr. age 79; passed away peacefully on June 16, 2025, in Downers Grove, IL. Born in St. Louis, MO on April 10, 1946, to his loving parents, Bernard A. Sr. and Marian Mack, nee Gilda. Beloved husband of 49 years to Janice Mack, nee Swett. Dearest brother of JoAnn (Russ) Achelpohl, James (Peggy) Mack, and the late John E. (Micky) Mack, Mary Ellen (the late John) Undersinger, and Michael (Rosie) Mack. Fond uncle of many nieces and nephews.
Bernie enjoyed, and was very proud of, and grateful for, his Jesuit education at St Louis University High School (where he loved playing TUBA in the band) and St Louis University. He then went on to be a proud U S Army Lieutenant. After he was honorably discharged, he moved to Houston, TX, where he began his career as a Certified Public Accountant and met Janice. He also found his love of sailboat racing on Galveston Bay just about year round way down there!!
After a number of years, he accepted a position in the oil industry with a Baker Oil Company and became the Vice President of finance for Baker Sand Control. When the oil “boom” in Texas went “bust”, he and Janice moved to the Chicago area in 1990 where he went on to become a longtime executive with Enterprise Rent-A-Car and was the Vice President of Finance for the Chicago region for many years.
In 1994, after his first Hawaii vacation, he just had to travel there during humpback whale season EVERY YEAR until recently!! After his retirement from Enterprise in July of 2001, Bernie decided to pursue an education in photography and almost earned an associate degree. He especially loved photographing whales around Maui as well as California and Hawaii sunsets and the beautiful scenery at The Morton Arboretum in Lisle, Illinois. He and Janice feel very blessed and grateful to God to have enjoyed their home in Westmont, Illinois for 35 years!
SERVICES: Visitation Saturday, June 28, 10:00 AM until time of Funeral Mass, 11:00 AM at Our Lady of Sorrows Catholic Church, 5020 Rhodes Ave. St. Louis, MO. Interment Monday, June 30, at 10:30 AM at Jefferson Barracks National Cemetery, in St. Louis, MO.
In lieu of flowers, memorials to West Suburban Humane Society, https://www.wshs-dg.org are appreciated.
Blessings and thoughts and prayers to the family and friends.
I am so sorry to hear of Bernie’s passing. Bernie and Janice recently donated generously to improve the acoustics in the band room and practice rooms at St. Louis University High. We named one of the practice rooms Studio J and the other Studio B in their honor. Bernie lives on in our music making every day at SLUH. Prayers for you all.
God’s Peace,
Jeff Pottinger
SLUH Band Director
We didn’t know Bernie that well, but we had the pleasure of joining him and Janice at Morton Arboretum events and travel. We enjoyed his company. Our condolences to Janice.
We are so saddened to hear of Bernie’s passing. I worked for Bernie in Houston about 40 years ago. He was a total professional and cared deeply for the people under him. We stayed in touch over the years and tried to get together when we could. Our hearts go out to Janice at this difficult time but know that Bernie is watching out for her.
Marilyn and I truly loved being friends with Bernie and Janice. We met them when Bernie started his career with Enterprise in the late eighties. We enjoyed many wonderful trips with them and loved being with them. Bernie set a great example of being a true friend and we will miss him. We send Janice our love. Bob and Marilyn
Bernie was a great man and a true friend. He will be missed by all of us who cherished his friendship. Those we loved are not gone as long as they live on in our memories. My love and prayers to Janice and his family.
It’s been many years since I’ve seen Bernie, but as a classmate of his from the 1960 Our Lady of Sorrows grade school class, I know I speak for all of us in remembering Bernie fondly. I remember that he and Janice came to our 50th class reunion. He was a kind classmate and I’m sure his life was lived in a similarly kind manner. So many roots were planted in the halls of OLS for us and I trust God is welcoming him home. I’m so sorry to hear this, but thankful that he stayed true to his faith. I’m sorry I can’t attend the Mass, but will remember him in prayer.