Bernice Trachsel Wismer of Bethany, Oregon, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, died on October 16, 2011, at the age of 98. She was one of eight siblings born to John and Hulda Trachsel of Beaverton, Oregon. Her parents had a farm near Barnes Elementary school where they raised onions and other farm products in a field that is now Commonwealth Lake. She attended Barnes Elementary school through the 8th grade. Both of her parents died when she was a teenager. That left her and 2 sisters to care for their 4 younger brothers and take care of the farm. Her parentswere members of Bethany Baptist Church.
On February 12, 1937, she married Richard (Dick) Wismer of Bethany. Soon after Bernice joined the Bethany Presbyterian Church, where, she was vary active, serving on many committees. She was the lead soprano singer in the church choir for many years until her voice begin to fail her. They had 2 children, daughter JoAnn Wismer Vance and son Dr. Ronald Wismer. During the early years of their marriage they worked on the Wismer farm and took over the operation about 1950. The dairy was discontinued and general farming took its place. Bernice worked hard and dedicated herself to making the farm successful. They raised poultry, grain and cattle and later strawberry fields were planted. Bernice managed the berry harvest. In here spare time, as she called it, she became head cook at Sunset Valley Grade School which became part of the Beaverton School District. After retiring Bernice and Dick traveled to many places throughout the world with friends for sight seeing and playing golf.
Gardening was a passion for her and she spent many hours working with her flowers. A favorite pastime was playing Pinochle with the same group friends from church for 38 years.
Bernice is survived by her husband, Dick; daughter, JoAnn Vance (Gary); son, Dr. Ronald Wismer (Jan); 5 grandchildren, David Vance (Laureen), Brian Vance (Lyda), Tyson Wismer (Janell), Brent Wismer and Lindsey Wismer; 2 great grandchildren, Corinne Vance and Aaron Vance. Her grandchildren were the love of her life and she attended as many of their school activities as possible. She was so proud of her family and loved all the attention they gave her in the last years of her life.
A memorial service will be Tuesday, October 25, 2011, at 2:00 p.m. at Bethany Presbyterian Church at 2;00 p.m., 15505 NW Springville Rd., Portland, Oregon.
In lieu of flowers contributions may be made to the Bethany Presbyterian Church or Barnes Elementary School, 13730 SW Walker Rd., Beaverton, OR 97005.
Arrangements under the direction of Pegg, Paxson & Springer Funeral Chapel, Beaverton, OR.
SHARE OBITUARY
v.1.8.18