Obit: Kuehmichel, Berniece Lucille (1924 - 2005)

Contact:  Crystal Wendt

Surnames: Kuehmich, Buse, Bruesewitz, Pengelly, Sautner

----Sources: Gresham Outlook (Gresham, Oregon) Sep/16/2005

Kuehmichel, Berniece Lucille (24 Aug. 1924 - 12 Sept. 2005)

GRESHAM, Ore. -Berniece Lucille Kuehmichel, 81, of 20300 SE Morrison Terrace, Apt. G1046, in Gresham, Portland, Ore., died suddenly and unexpectedly of a major heart attack shortly after lunch Monday, Sept, 12, 2005. A memorial service will be held at 10:30 a.m. today at Ascension Lutheran Church in Gresham. A light lunch will be served for all who wish to stay following the service.

Viewing hours were from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Friday at the Bateman Carroll Funeral Home in Gresham.

Memorials in Berniece Kuehmichel's name may be given to Alaska Mission for Christ in care of Ken Schauer.

She was born Aug. 24, 1924, in Loyal, the daughter of Emil and Esther Buse. She had been traffic clerk for Owen Illinois Glass Manufacturers in Portland, Ore. Berniece had just turned 81 in August and she and her husband, Art, had just moved into an apartment after downsizing and selling their home of 31 years. Berniece loved to play the organ - she played by ear. She also loved to garden, dance, sing and enjoyed playing cards. She was kind and thoughtful to everyone. She was a genuine and consummate "servant's heart," always helping others without thought of any recognition, reward or rights.

Berniece is lovingly survived by her husband, Art Kuehmichel; son, Bruce (Jacolyn) Kuehmichel of Caledonia, Minn.; daughter, Brenda Michel of Portland, Ore.; two granddaughters, Leah and Mercedes, and grandson, Aaron. She is further survived by her siblings, Isabelle Bruesewitz of Spencer, Rhoda Pengelly of Laguna Beach, Calif., Audrey Sautner of Racine, and Wilber "Bud" Buse of Spencer.

Berniece was preceded in death by her parents, Emil and Esther Buse.