Bernice Ruth Visser

Bernice Ruth Visser, age 90 of Waupun, passed away on March 9, 2016 at Prairie Ridge Assisted Living in Waupun.

Bernice was born at the family home near Cambria on August 14, 1925, a daughter of Sam and Martha (Dykstra) Smits. On August 8, 1947 she married John Visser. They made their home in Waupun, where they worked and raised a family. Spending time with family was one of the things Bernice enjoyed most. Bernice worked at the Teples Shoe Factory and Gysber’s Grocery Store in Waupun. Bernice was a member of the Alto Christian Reformed Church where she was active in many church organizations and activities. John and Bernice were instrumental in the establishment of Faith Community Church in Beaver Dam, Wisconsin where she was a member during those years.

After retirement John and Bernice volunteered for Wycliffe Bible Translators at their stations in South Carolina, Arizona, Texas and California. She also accompanied John on work projects at Southern Normal School, Burton, Alabama and Navajo Christian School in Rehoboth, New Mexico.

She is survived by two daughters, Ruth (Norm) Alsum and Ronda (Dana) Gustke, five grandchildren, Heather (Richard) Hagerty, Nathan Alsum, Bridget Alsum, Maison (Caleb)Engel and McKenna Gustke, two great grandchildren, Henry and Keira Hagerty. She is also survived by one sister Beverly (Richard) Vander Voet, four brothers, Ronald (Betty) Smits, John (Marilyn) Smits, Kenneth (Ellen) Smits, and Glenn (Donna) Smits; brother-in-law Arnold Visser; nieces, nephews, other relatives and from

Bernice was preceded in death by her parents, her husband John (1999) and two sisters, Kathryn Treptow and Margaret Cupery; brothers and sisters-in-law, Clifford (Marie) Visser, Grace Visser, Rolland (Sylvia) Visser, Glenn (Agnes) Van Buren and Harold Visser.

Thanks be to God for the life of Bernice (Smits) Visser.

Funeral services for Bernice will be held at 11:00 A.M. on Monday, March 14, 2016 at the Alto Christian Reformed Church, N3631 County Road EE, Alto, with Pastor Forsell Gappa officiating. Visitation will be held on Monday from 9:30 A.M. until the time of service. Interment will take place at Alto Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Gideons International.