Bernice Brandmeyer

Bernice Brandmeyer, age 93, peacefully died on Saturday September 6, 2026, surrounded by love. Bernice is survived by her daughter, Sue Tart (Shannon Trahan), her grandsons, Jeremy Schwab (Leah) and Daniel Schwab (Amber Thonn), as well as her great-grandchildren, Olivia Schwab, Loki Schwab, and Leo Schwab, and numerous nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her beloved daughter, Lori Tart, her parents, Izzy and Rose Ekstein, her brothers, Sam and Willie Ekstein, and her sisters, Evelyn Bongard and Ethel Gorenstein. She was also predeceased by her husbands, Lester Tart and Joseph (Joe) Brandmeyer.

Bernice was born on July 23, 1933, in Davenport, Iowa. Her parents and siblings had immigrated from Poland before World War II; she was the only one born in America. She graduated from high school in 1951, and married Lester Tart in 1955, with her daughters born in 1956 (Sue) and 1958 (Lori).

Lester Tart died in 1965 leaving her with two young daughters to raise and support. In 1969, Bernice moved her family to St. Louis, Missouri. Bernice began working at Clayton Bank, eventually becoming its Vice-President. She married Joe in 1976, and they moved to Springfield, Illinois, where she worked at a mortgage company as a manager and lead mortgage closer. After Bernice and Joe retired, they returned to St. Louis; Joe died in 1993.

Bernice had many hobbies and interests. She was an avid reader and a frequent visitor to the St. Louis Public Library. She regularly attended water aerobics at the Jewish Community Center with her dear friend, Pat Corrigan, and loved the St. Louis Zoo. Bernice also volunteered at the Fox Theater, the St. Louis Tourist and Hospitality Counsel, and a St. Louis TV station, helping callers with various issues.

But above all else, Bernice adored her family. She was always available to listen to those who sought her counsel. She was loving, patient, and kind to everyone she met. She will be greatly missed by all who knew and loved her.

The family would like to thank her caretakers, Shannon Trahan, Phyllis Koch, Ross Trahan, and Michelle Ramos, as well as St. Tammany Hospital Hospice, especially Emily, Anne, and Regie.

A private graveside ceremony will take place on September 14, 2026, followed by a service at 10:30 am at Berger Memorial Chapel, 9430 Olive Blvd, St Louis, MO 63132.