Catherine “Cathy” Irene Bemiss, 75, of West Union, Iowa passed on Saturday, August 14, 2021 surrounded by her family at Stoney Brook Village, West Union. She was born January 11, 1946 to James Calvin and Marjorie Lou (Martin) Renwick in Sumner, Iowa. Cathy was baptized in Alpha, confirmed and married at Zion Lutheran Church. She graduated from North High School, West Union in 1964. Upon graduation, she worked at Northwestern Bell and then transferred to the Norfolk, Nebraska office. She Returned to West Union and ran a preschool for several years.
Cathy was united in marriage with Gary Bemiss on August 13, 1966 at Zion Lutheran Church, West Union. Four children were born to this union, Kevin, Christine, Kelli and Gary Michael. When her children started to school she went back to Northwestern Bell and worked in the Decorah Office until they closed and then moved to the Oelwein office. Upon their closing she worked in Waterloo for twenty-five years until her retirement. She was a master gardener, former city council member and a member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. She enjoyed decorating her house, visiting with people, wintering in Surprise, Arizona and playing bridge. Most of all, she loved Harley trips with Gary, her grandchildren and spending time with her family.
Cathy is survived by her husband, Gary of West Union; her four children, Kevin (Caroline) Bemiss of West Union, Christine (Rick) Bemiss-Thompson of West Union, Kelli (Dave) Lau of West Union and Gary Michael (Tara) Bemiss of West Union; ten grandchildren, Lukas Lau, Derik Lau, Braeden Bemiss, Blake Bemiss, Kedrick Bemiss, Brittany Bemiss-Thompson, Brianna Bemiss-Thompson, Brooke Bemiss-Thompson, Jenna (Collin) Kane and Allison Lau; and nine brothers and sisters, Peggy (Larry) McMurray of Maquoketa, Ellen (Jim) Guyer of West Union, Jacque Green (Greg) of Newton, Mary Jo Renwick of Newton, Britt Renwick of Newton, Jimmy Renwick of Newton, Jeffrey (Renee) Renwick of Cottage Grove, Minnesota, Robin (Jeff) Brain and Rick (Char) Renwick of Highland Village, Texas.
Cathy was preceded in death by her parents; her brothers, Mark Renwick and Reginald Renwick in infancy.
Visitation will be Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 4-7 pm at Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, Iowa with a one our visitation before services at the church on Friday.
Funeral Services will be at 10:30 am on Friday, August 20, 2021 at Bethel Presbyterian Church, West Union, Iowa with Rev. Don Best as the Officiant.
Burial will follow at We.st Union Cemetery, West Union, Iowa.
Burnham-Wood-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service, West Union, Iowa is helping the family with the arrangements.