Michael Lewis Bersch

Michael Lewis (Mickey) Bersch, 84, of Vancouver, WA, passed away peacefully at his home on December 12, 2024, of natural causes. Born and raised in Vancouver, Mickey graduated from Fort Vancouver High School in 1958. He began his working life delivering newspapers for the Columbian, where his father was employed. In the early 1960s, Mickey embarked on a career as a welder at the Vancouver Shipyards.

Mickey had a lifelong passion for automobiles, particularly engine rebuilds, and was an active member of several car clubs. In the late 1960s, he founded Mickey's Automotive, a repair shop he successfully ran until his retirement in 2015.

In 1969, Mickey married Cynthia Walling, and together they had two children, Rhonda Dawn and Michael Craig. The family lived in Woodland until Mickey and Cindy divorced in 1982. Mickey remained in Woodland, dedicating himself to his children and his community. He was a committed member of the Woodland Presbyterian Church, where he served as a leader for Junior and Senior High Fellowship. Known affectionately as the WCP Van Man, Mickey enjoyed driving the kids to and from Sunday school, ski excursions to Mt. Hood, and weekend camping trips.

Mickey loved boating and took great joy in teaching others how to waterski behind his bright yellow boat. He cherished visiting friends from Hawaii to Florida, but his most beloved place was Lake Shasta in California. It was there that he spent many happy times camping with his close friends, Jim and Judy Cook, and their families. Later this summer, Mickey's family and friends plan to scatter his ashes at Lake Shasta, honoring his memory in the place he loved most.

Mickey is survived by his children, Rhonda Dawn (Ron); grandchildren, Jake Woodward (Kelsi) - Jaycie, Jett; Cori Johnson (Cole) - Brooklyn, Beckham; Craig Bersch (Shannon); grandchildren, Alexsus, Cody, Caleb, Gaige. He is preceded in death by his parents Lester and Fenita Bersch and sister Nita Dian. He will be deeply missed by all who knew him.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, March 22nd from 11:30 to 1:30 at Papa Pete's in Ridgefield, WA. (109 S. 65th Ave)

Messages and condolences can be forwarded to the family at 12400 NE 172nd Ave, Brush Prairie, WA 98606 or sent via email to Rhondad.Woodward@yahoo.com. Contributions may be made in Mickey's memory to the Humane Society for Southwest Washington at https://southwesthumane.org/.