Berta Kay Troxell

Berta Kay (Puempel) Troxell passed away on February 14, 2026, in Dallas, Texas, surrounded by the love of her family. She was 78 years old.

A funeral service will be held at 6 pm on Friday, February 20, 2026, at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Pkwy., Arlington, Texas 76013. There will be a private graveside for the family at Dallas Fort Worth National Cemetery.

Berta was born on September 13, 1947, in Monroe, Wisconsin, to Hazel (Schrepfer) and Otto Puempel. She grew up with strong Midwestern values that shaped her life—faith, family, hard work, and kindness to others.

In 1969, she earned her bachelor’s degree in education from the University of Wisconsin, Platteville. Soon after, she began a career that reflected her gentle spirit and love for children, becoming a kindergarten teacher. Over the years, she nurtured and inspired countless young students, guiding them through their first experiences of learning with patience, creativity, and warmth. She later retired from teaching, but her heart for children never faded.

Berta was married to the love of her life, Michael Dewey Troxell, who survives her. Together they built a life centered on devotion to family. She was happiest raising her children and later delighting in her grandchildren, whose lives she enriched with unconditional love, encouragement, and steady presence.

She is lovingly remembered by her husband, Mike; her children, Eric (Marci) Troxell, Chad (Kim) Troxell, Molly (Lawrence) Bryant, and Ellen (Kirk) Bradford; and her cherished grandchildren, Madeline, Laura Beth, Haley, Michael, Carter, Beckett, Henry, Megan, Jack, Caroline, Brooke, Camden, Ben, Liam, Luke, and Sam. She is also survived by her brother, Otto (Wanda) Puempel, as well as many nieces, nephews, cousins, and dear friends.

Berta found deep joy in the beauty of the mountains. She especially loved time spent in Red River, New Mexico, and treasured travels to Europe. Whether hiking, breathing in crisp mountain air, or simply sitting and taking in the view, she felt closest to peace and wonder in those places.

Above all, Berta will be remembered for her nurturing heart, her steady strength, and the deep love she poured into her family. Her legacy lives on in the lives she shaped—both in her classroom and around her family table.

She will be deeply missed and forever loved.