Alma Jean "Jeanie" (Hochstetler) Bernheisel

Alma Jean “Jeanie” (Hochstetler) Bernheisel, 84, passed away peacefully on June 5, 2026, in Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Jeanie was born on October 27, 1941, in Wasepi, Michigan, to Elias Melvin and Fannie Mae Hochstetler. She spent her entire life in Centreville, Michigan, where she built lasting friendships and created countless cherished memories with family and loved ones.

On June 2, 1962, she married Kenneth Bernheisel in Nottawa, Michigan. Together they raised three sons: Roger Bernheisel, Kurk Bernheisel, and Tony Bernheisel.

Jeanie was a proud grandmother to Nicole (Ramon) Lugo, Bailey (Brooke) Bernheisel, Cody Bernheisel, Meara (Tyler) Pearison, and Kendalynn Bernheisel. Nick (Danielle) Burgener, Carly (Rockie Moore) Burgener, Dan (Assada) Burgener She was also blessed with great-grandchildren McKenzie, Paris, and Ava Lugo; Kane and Kennedy Bernheisel; Fayah Pearison, Teygan Moore, Jocelyn Burgener, Carter Burgener, Elaina Burgener, Logan Burgener, and Parker Burgener. She was especially proud to be a great-great-grandmother to Beckham Lugo. 

Jeanie loved the simple pleasures in life. She enjoyed spending time with her siblings, cousins, friends, and grandchildren. A member of the American Legion in Colon, she could often be found trying her luck at a casino, playing a few rounds of bar poker, or beating her friends and family at a game of pool. What she loved most, however, was singing karaoke. Her favorite song to perform was “Coal Miner’s Daughter” by Loretta Lynn. She also looked forward to her annual trips to Mississippi to visit her son Roger and daughter-in-law Jenny.

Jeanie will be remembered for her vibrant personality, her love of laughter and music, and the joy she brought to everyone around her. She will be deeply missed by all who knew and loved her.

She is survived by her sons, Roger (Jenny) Bernheisel and Tony (Tina) Bernheisel; her brothers, William (Paula) Hochstetler and Allen (Candy) Hochstetler; her sister, Dorothy (Paul) Topash; her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, great-great-grandson, and many extended family members and friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Elias Melvin and Fannie Mae Hochstetler; her husband, Kenneth Bernheisel; her son, Kurk Bernheisel; her brother, Sherman Hochstetler; and her longtime partner, Terry Matson.

A celebration of Jeanie’s life will be held at a later date.

Jeanie’s love, laughter, and song will remain in the hearts of those who were fortunate enough to know her. 

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