DOYEN, Bertha 1890-1958

DOYEN

Posted By: Tammy (email)
Date: 6/22/2014 at 22:09:58

Bertha Doyen, Wellsb'g Nursing Home Operator, Killed In Fall

Miss Bertha Doyen, 68, co-operator of the Golden Age Restorium at Wellsburg, died tragically of injuries received in a fall down a flight of basement steps at the nursing home early Sunday afternoon.

Miss Doyen had operated the nursing home with her sister, Mrs. Florence Meyer, the past six years.

Several members of the family, were present in the home at the time of the accident, altho none actually witnessed the fall. It occurred shortly after she had finished her Sunday dinner.

Bertha went into the basement with food for some pet cats and while returning up the steps suffered a dizzy spell and fell backwards down the stairs. She fell with such force that a chunk of wood was broken off one of the steps.

A nephew, John Doyen Jr., administered first aid to his aunt until a doctor could be summoned but she died minutes later. Death was attributed to a broken neck. She also suffered a skull fracture.

Spent Her Entire Life in Wellsburg
Bertha Doyen was 68 years old on November 2nd of this year. She spent her entire life in Wellsburg. She was a daughter of Joseph and Johanna Doyen. She was one of nine children, 3 sons and 6 daughters. She attended school in Wellsburg and assisted in the home. After the death of her parents she made a home for her brother Heiko for several years. Six years ago last August, she and her sister, Mrs. Florence Meyer, established a home for elderly people in Wellsburg. It is known as the Golden Age Restorium. Bertha was beloved by the patients at the home for her kindliness and for giving them the best of care. She has been active in community affairs and especially as a member of the Auxiliary. Her sudden death came as a shock to her many friends and the sympathy of the entire community goes to the bereaved members of her family.

Services Wednesday
Last rites were held Wednesday. The services were at the Wellsburg Reformed church with the local pastor, Rev. George Poppen, officiating. The body was taken to the church at 11:30, where it was viewed by relatives and friends up to the time of the service.

There was a very large attendance at the church service. The pastor used as his text, First Samuel, Chapter 20, verse 3-b. Mrs. George Poppen was soloist, Marcella Neessen was the organ accompanist. Mrs. Dena Haack and Mrs. Ben Peters had charge of the flowers. Ushers were Peter Ruter, Elmer Ruter and Alle Murra. Serving as pallbearers were Joseph Hileman, Robert Hileman, Oran Meyer, Elwood Doyen, Delbert J. Lindaman and John J. Doyen.

Surviving are one brother and three sisters. John Doyen is the only surviving brother. The sisters who are still living are Mrs. Pete Peters, Worthington, Minn.; Florence Meyer, Wellsburg; and Louise Hileman from Waterloo.

--The Grundy Register/Wellsburg Register (Grundy Center, Iowa), 18 December 1958, pg 1