June 4, 1937 - April 17, 2024
Burness “Bernie” Ray Mettler of Lodi passed away on April 17 , 2024 at the age of 86. He was born In Lodi, California on June 4, 1937 to Raymond A. Mettler and Regina K. Mettler. As a youth, Bernie was involved in 4-Hand FFA as well as playing the trumpet in the Lodi High School band. He attended Victor Elementary School and Lodi High School. After high school, he attended San Joaquin College and then graduated from U.C. Davis in 1961 with a degree in Viticulture and Enology. On December 16,1961, Bernie married Sally Anna Rice whom he had met at college the year before. They settled in Lodi and over the years were blessed with four children.
Bernie was a member of the California National Guard for 8 years. He was active with the Young Farmers Association, and Lodi Grape Growers. He was a member of Zion Reformed Church and was active on the church consistory and often served as an usher. It was there that he came to know Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior.
One of Bernie’s favorite things was being a volunteer fireman with the Mokelumne Fire Department. He served fifty years as fireman, member of the board of directors, and eventually as president of the board.
Bernie was well loved by family and friends. He always had a smile on his face and was both generous and kind. He was preceded in death by his parents, Raymond A. Mettler and Regina K. Mettler. He is survived by his wife of 62 years Sally A. Mettler, daughter Gail Mettler-Binger and her husband Burton, son Barry Mettler and his wife Shawnee, daughter Jenni Hopson and her husband Stephen, and son David Mettler. He is also survived by nine grandchildren: Ashley Vernon, Matthew Hopson, Austin Mettler, Kayla Hopson, William Hopson, Cereya Mettler, Corbin Mettler, Krista Hopson and Chendyl Mettler. Also two great grandchildren: Collin Mettler and Izabella Martin.
A memorial service and burial will be held Wednesday, May 1 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park at 10:00 am followed by a reception at Mokelumne Fire Department located at 13157 E. Brandt Rd in Lockeford.
Donations can be made in his name to: Mokelumne USAR Team, 13157 E. Brandt Rd., Lockeford CA 95237.
VISITATION
A visitation will be held from 4:00pm - 7:00pm on Tuesday, April 30th, 2024 at Cherokee Memorial Funeral Home, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
SERVICE
A service will be held at 10:00am on Wednesday, May 1st, 2024 at the Vineyard Chapel at Cherokee Memorial Park, located at 14165 N. Beckman Rd, Lodi, CA 95240.
Please leave your condolences below.
Cherokee Memorial is honored to serve the Mettler family.