Memorial

Bernice E. Smith, 96, of Dyersville died Thursday, March 20, 2014 at Oakcrest Manor after a lengthy illness.

Private family services will be held at the Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel.  Interment will take place at Czech National Cemetery.   Public visitation will be held from 1:00-2:00 PM Tuesday, March 25, 2014 at the Cedar Memorial Westside Chapel.  A memorial scholarship has been established in Bernice’s name for a student at Wilson Middle School who excels in English and Language Arts.

Bernice was born February 11, 1918 in Cedar Rapids to Charles and Emily (Topinka) Easker.  She received her Bachelor’s Degree in Education from Coe College.  On October 4, 1942 she was married to Jesse W. Smith in Ft. Belvoir, Virginia.  She worked as a middle school English teacher in the Cedar Rapids School District for over twenty-five years.

She resided in Dyersville for the last ten years, but had been a resident of Cedar Rapids her whole life.  

Bernice was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church.  She belonged to the National Education Association.  She was proud to be an educator.

Bernice is survived by her daughter Gayle Wilhelm (Bill) of Dyersville; two grandchildren: Molly Knepper (Max) of Peosta, and Dr. Jayme Wilhelm (Stephanie) of Iowa City; five great-grandchildren: Alaina and Sylvie Knepper and  Nora, Henry, and Charlie Wilhelm; sister Geraldine Easker of Garland, Texas; sister-in-law Stella Mae Easker of Mt. Vernon, Iowa.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband Jesse in 1984; son Nyle Smith in 1965; great-granddaughter Tessa Wilhelm; brother Charles Easker; sister Mildred Sladek; and brother-in-law Frank Sladek, Sr.