Bernard (Bernie) A. Wever went to be with his Lord and Savior on January 17, 2016.  Bernie was born to Arent and Johanna Wever in Platte, South Dakota.  Bernie learned to work at a young age, helping his father on the dairy.  His father passed away in his early 40’s, leaving him and his older sister to help their mother with the dairy and two younger siblings.  Eventually they left South Dakota, moving to Ripon, California where his mother’s parents lived.  Bernie finished his education at the Ripon High School, graduating in 1935.  After high school he had jobs working with his hands, mostly welding.
   In the late 1930’s he met and then married Wilma Gelderman on April 11, 1940.  In the early years of their marriage they moved to Richmond, CA where he worked in the shipyard.  During that time their two children, Carron and Barry, were born.
   Bernie was drafted into the army in 1944 serving in the Philippines.  After he completed his military service they returned to Ripon.  In 1946 he started a trucking business, Wever Trucking, which is still in business today and is now being operated by his grandson, Michael Wever.
   Bernie was very active in Calvary Reformed Church.  He served on the church board as both a deacon and elder more than once.  He also was active in the Sunday school, serving as superintendent for several years.
   In addition to a strong love for his family and his God, he also was involved in the Ripon Community.  He served on the planning commission for a number of years, was a member of the Historical Society and the American Legion.
His hobbies included bowling, fishing and jigsaw puzzles.
   In retirement, they traveled to most of the 50 states including Hawaii and Alaska.  They visited Canada and also enjoyed a cruise to the Panama Canal.  They especially enjoyed annual camping trips to Don Pedro Reservoir.
He had six grandchildren, Carla Travaille (Sam), Pam Ruch (Mike), Michael Wever (Lorene), David Van Laar (Kathy), Doug Wever (Linda) and Eric Wever (Laura).  Bernie and Wilma enjoyed attending all of their weddings as well as many birthday parties, graduations, and other family activities.  His grandchildren blessed him with 20 great grandchildren including spouses and four great-great grandchildren.
   He is preceded in death by his wife of 71 years as well as his sister, Wolena Smink; brother, John Wever, and his son-in-law, Larry Van Laar.
   He is survived by his sister, Adrianna Roubos, sister-in-law, Hilda Wever, his son Berry and wife Carlyn and daughter, Carron Van Laar.
The family expresses its gratitude to Valley Comfort Care Facility and their staff for the excellent care they provided our father during his time there.
For his family, he leaves a loving legacy of a positive work ethic and an example of a strong faith.
   Arrangements have been entrusted to Deegan Ripon Memorial Chapel.  A graveside service is scheduled for Saturday, June 23, 2016 at 10:00 a.m. at Ripon Cemetery, followed by a celebration of life at 11:00  a.m. at Calvary Reformed Church, 2nd street and Vera Ave., in Ripon.
In lieu of flowers, remembrances and donations may be made to Calvary Reformed Church Foundation or a charity of choice.


Ripon
Manteca (Calif.) Bulletin
Thursday, January 21, 2016