LISA JAEGER BERNHEISEL

Lisa Jaeger Bernheisel, November 4, 1977 to March 5, 2023, devoted wife, dedicated mother of four, beloved pastor and cherished friend, passed away from colon cancer under home Hospice care. Her ability to inspire, uplift and enlighten others was evident in her Caring-Bridge posts which chronicled her journey.

Born in northwest Ohio, Lisa’s early years were in Toledo, Elmore and a mission station in Cameroon, West Africa. Perrysburg Schools and Zoar Lutheran Church provided a caring, nurturing environment as she grew in knowledge and faith. One of four daughters, Lisa enjoyed spending time with siblings, nearby cousins and friends, learning about nature from her father and about music and cultural diversity from her mother.

Chris Bernheisel stole her heart in high school with his sense of humor, gentle spirit and brilliant mind. They supported one another through demands of their careers, Chris as a physician and Lisa as a pastor, while providing their children with unconditional love. They celebrated 24 years of marriage in

December.

Professionally, Lisa was a leader, a teacher, a counselor, a preacher. At the Ohio State University, she majored in international studies with an emphasis on equity in developing countries. She entered Trinity Seminary in Columbus and became a Lutheran pastor, serving several congregations in the Cincinnati area, including Ascension, Atonement, St. Peter in Trenton, Christ the King, Vida Eterna Iglesia Luterana, St. Paul in Reading, the Presbyterian Church of Wyoming and most recently, St. Timothy Episcopal Church in Beechmont.

Her passion was spiritual direction and she often led workshops on issues of spirituality, conflict resolution and parenting. After the 2008 loss of Oliver George in late pregnancy, she provided workshops and sessions helping others work through grief after the loss of a child.