Bernice Ruth Dixson, 95, of Marcus, Iowa, passed away on Monday, December 25, 2023, at the Heartland Care Center in Marcus, Iowa. Funeral services will take place at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, December 29, 2023, at Grace Methodist Church in Marcus. Rev. Dr. Travis Stevick will officiate. Burial will follow at Marcus Amherst Cemetery. Visitation will begin at 4:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 28, 2023, at Grace Methodist Church. The family will be present from 5-7 p.m. with a prayer service scheduled at 7:00 p.m. There will also be one hour of visitation at the church prior to the funeral service on Friday. The Earnest – Johnson Funeral Home in Marcus is assisting Bernie’s family with arrangements. Expressions of sympathy may be directed through mauerjohnsonfh.com
Bernice Ruth Dixson was born on October 9, 1928, on the family farm near Remsen, Iowa, the daughter of James and Margaret (Case) Harman. She attended country school and later graduated from Union High School in 1948.
On January 8, 1953, Bernie and Jake Edward Dixson were united in marriage at Cherokee, Iowa. They made their first home in Marcus. They later moved to a farm outside of Marcus. In early years, Bernie assisted area families with housekeeping and childcare. Later she worked at the cap factory in Le Mars, Iowa, in the kitchen at the Cherokee Hospital and Lundell Manufacturing. She retired from work at K-Products in Marcus.
Bernie was an active member of Grace Methodist Church in Marcus. She belonged to the UMW, taught Sunday School and Bible School and helped with many church activities. She served as a pack leader for the Cub Scouts, was an avid walker and loved her cats and dogs. Bernie and Jake took great pride in spending time with their grandchildren and attending school activities. They kept a large garden and did a great deal of canning. Bernie was great at hosting and feeding family at gatherings. She was always ready to offer anyone a brownie or an invitation to stay for supper.
Grateful to have shared her life are her children, Jake (Genelle) Dixson, Jr. of Sioux City, IA, John (Mary) Dixson of Newell, SD, Jay (Brenda) Dixson of Ottumwa, IA, JoAnne (Joe Ramsey) Dixson of Taylor Ridge, IL, Janet (Jim) Schroeder of Remsen, IA; 14 grandchildren; 27 great-grandchildren; 2 great-great-grandchildren; a sister-in-law, Marsha Harman of Kingsley, IA; and many nieces and nephews.
Bernie was preceded in death by her parents; husband. Jake (2009); a son, Jim Dixson (2012); a twin sister, Eunice (Edward) Delaney; a sister, Frances (Dr. Milford) Hayden; and brothers, James (Natalie) Harman, Jr. and Michael Harman.