Bernard Louis Wiemann

Bernard Louis Wiemann passed away peacefully on August 15, 2025 at Wesley Homes in Auburn, WA with his family by his side. He was born February 23, 1932 to Fredrick and Lena (Pals) Wiemann in Lamoure, North Dakota and joined two brothers, Wally and Fred. At the age of 6 months his father passed away leaving his faithful and caring mother to raise her boys during the depression. Bernie was a loving and supportive son to his mother and his brother Wally until their passings.

Bernie played basketball and football for Custer County High School in Miles City, Montana. Bernie met Dona Mae Bender in high school and the two were joined in marriage on April 19, 1953. He was a loving husband and devoted caretaker for Dona. Their family was made complete with their children, Judy (1954), Larry (1956) and Lisa (1963).

Bernie began his optical career in Miles City and continued it when they moved to Renton, Washington in 1956. He became a licensed optician and worked for many years at Renton and Columbian Optical. In 1980 he opened Bernie’s Optical and worked there with Lisa until his retirement in 1994. He was a successful entrepreneur and mentored his three children in their business ventures and was proud of what they accomplished.

Bernie was a natural athlete and played multiple sports, sharing his love of baseball and golf with Larry. He bowled for many years in various leagues and tournaments as well as couples bowling with Dona. He was intensely competitive whether in sports, playing cards or in business. Bernie was an avid outdoorsman and enjoyed fishing, hiking, camping. He was a passionate supporter of the Seahawks and Mariners.

Bernie and Dona enjoyed traveling often with friends and family including trips to Montana, Hawaii, Ireland, Alaska, snow birding in California and trips to see Judy in Germany, Arizona and Georgia.

Bernie was preceded in death by his wife, Dona, his parents and brothers and his daughter-in-law Nancy (Holm). He leaves behind his children Judy Odden (Doug), Larry, Lisa Harbers (Walter), eight grandchildren and 7 great grandchildren as well as many nieces and nephews.

Bernie had a big smile, a great sense of humor and loved to tease. There was no doubt about his love for his mother, his children and siblings and especially his wife Dona.

Private family graveside service will be on Tuesday, August 26th followed by a Celebration of Life with family and friends at the Renton United Methodist Church from 12-2:30.

In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the American Heart Association or Renton United Methodist Church, PO Box 629, Renton, WA 98057