Bernice A. Siefert
March 9, 1920 ~ June 21, 2015 (age 95) 95 Years OldShare using:
Bernice Siefert passed away at age 95 on June 21, 2015 at Kendal at Granville, her residence of the past 10 years.
Born in Milwaukee, Wisconsin in 1920, she was the third of seven children of Bernard and Marie (Strohoecker) Ahlmann. Because Bernice was always an independent person, she was the only one of the siblings to attend public schools, rather than the Lutheran schools that her siblings attended.
After graduation, Bernice married August C. Siefert in Milwaukee, in 1939. Shortly thereafter, the couple left so that August could attend Penn State. After August (Augie or Gus to family and friends) received a PhD in ceramic engineering, the Sieferts moved to Granville, Ohio for a job in research with Owens Corning.
Bernice was very active in the Granville community. She was a devoted member of the First Presbyterian Church. She was an extremely gifted artist, passionate about her work. She was also prolific, with over 200 beautiful pieces which received numerous awards in juried shows. Throughout her life, she also enjoyed teaching painting to others.
Her art work is well known in Central Ohio and displayed publicly in the Zanesville Art Gallery, at Dawes Arboretum, at the Newark Public Library, at Kendal at Granville, and in private homes. She was especially well known for her beautiful landscape scenes. She believed that art should be a reflection of the beauty of nature.
Bernice influenced many people's lives with her love and compassion. During the last 10 years at Kendal, Bernice developed many friendships. Her kindness, love, and outgoing personality will be missed by residents and staff alike.
She is survived by her sister, Marjorie Vetter of Missouri; daughter, Laurel Dale (husband Martin) of Sunbury, Ohio; son, Richard of Seattle (friend Annie McTavish); granddaughters, Annie Adler of Columbus, and Lynne Siefert of Boston; grandson, Mark Siefert of Seattle; and great granddaughter, Rachel Adler of Columbus.
A memorial service will be held on July 21, 2015 at 10:30 a.m. at Kendal at Granville, 2158 Columbus Rd. SW, Granville, Ohio. Presiding will be the Rev. Janice Hilkerbaumer. The family will receive friends at 9:00 a.m. prior the service for a display of some of her works and also a video tribute. Donations may be made to the Bernice Siefert Memorial Fund (through any branch of Park National Bank), or to First Presbyterian Church, 110 W. Broadway, Granville, OH 43023.
