Janet R Bernhisel

Janet R. Bernhisel January 29, 1933 - October 15, 2017 Janet Rosenlof Bernhisel passed away in her sleep Oct. 15, 2017, at the age of 84. She leaves a legacy of compassion, optimism, and a love of learning to her family, friends and the thousands of students she taught. Janet was born in Long Beach, California, on Jan. 29, 1933, to Kenneth and Flo (Ross) Rosenlof. She attended BYU and graduated in 1954 with a degree in English education. On July 4, 1956, she met Air Force officer Jay Bernhisel and married him in the Logan LDS Temple 366 days later. They spent the next 60 years together. Soon after marrying, Jay and Jan settled in Fort Bragg, California, where they raised their three sons. During those years, she enjoyed backpacking, camping, cooking and cheering on her sons at every possible sporting event. Jan taught language arts at Fort Bragg Junior High School for more than 30 years. She was passionate about teaching and was a dedicated advocate for both "gifted" students and for those with special needs. She did all of this while volunteering countless hours in church, school and community projects. Jan loved to travel. In her lifetime, she visited all 50 states and more than 50 countries, including China, Soviet Russia, Egypt, Turkey, Norway, Brazil and Lithuania. Since she and Jay were both schoolteachers, summers were often set apart for cross-country or international travels as a family. Jan loved absorbing the art, history, food and culture throughout the world. Up until the last few years of her life, she and Jay were still planning and taking yearly trips somewhere in the world. Jan loved learning languages. She could muddle along in German, Spanish and Norwegian and was never afraid to try to speak to anyone, anywhere. Music was always an important part of Jan's life. Playing the piano was both a joy and an escape for her, and she played the organ in church every Sunday for many years. She often gave free music lessons to kids and tried (mostly unsuccessfully) to teach her sons to play the piano. They did, however, acquire her passion for music. Jan also loved her flowers. Rhododendrons, daffodils and Easter lilies always dotted her yard. Cut flowers were always on the dining room table. Bringing bouquets of flowers to church and to others was her trademark. After retiring, Jan and Jay moved to North Logan, Utah. Jan continued to serve in church, volunteer in the community and travel the world. She especially enjoyed the closer proximity to her kids and grandkids while living in Logan. Her grandchildren remember her Bernie the Bear stories, having her read books like "Rechenka's Eggs," family history "interviews" and trips to the Sock Factory and Aggie Ice Cream. The granddaughters will never forget the doll dresses she made from her own wedding gown, playing with her old dolls and jewelry and their Lithuanian outfits. In 1996 and 1997 they served a mission for the LDS Church in Lithuania. For Janet, it was a continuation of a lifetime goal to serve others. Despite her declining health at the end of her life, Janet never lost her optimism, her love for her family, and her appreciation of good conversation. Her life was one that had an impact for good on so many others. Janet is survived by Jay, her husband of 60 years, her three sons, David (Debbie), Steven (Donna) and John (Sally). She was also the proud grandmother of 11 grandchildren and 6.9 great-grandchildren. A viewing will be held at the North Logan, Utah, Allen Mortuary on Friday, Oct. 20, from 6 to 8 p.m. A graveside service will be held in the Lewiston, Utah, Cemetery on Saturday, Oct. 21 at 11 a.m.