Speier, Bertha 1864-1945

SPEIER

Posted By: Plymouth CC
Date: 2/14/2004 at 12:23:42

Bertha Speier Died Saturday
Pioneer Business Woman
Succumbs After Long Sickness

Miss Bertha Speier, daughter of the late Mr. and Mrs. Rudolph Speier, was born in Galena, Illinois, on November 6, 1864. In early infancy she was baptized into the Christian faith and in youth was confirmed in the Evangelical and Reformed Church of Galena, Illinois. Her mother and two brothers and two sisters preceded her in death. With her father and two sisters she came to LeMars on April 13, 1882, and has resided here ever since. Her father passed away in July, 1900, and her sister, Mrs. Mary Bartels, also passed away in LeMars.

Since living in LeMars, after the death of her father, Bertha Speier has resided at 33 First Ave, S.W. together with her sister, Miss Minnie Speier. Both Miss Bertha Speier and Miss Minnie Speier have been engaged in the manufacturing of ice in LeMars since 1901, and have been very well known throughout Plymouth county, and have established many customers and friends and business associates.

About five years ago the deceased suffered sickness, and has been in poor health ever since. Two years ago, she began to fail more rapidly, and on November 15, 1944, suffered from a heart attack, and was removed to the Sacred Heart hospital where she was confined until the time of her death. During this time of confinement her condition was critical. She was called to her rest by her God Saturday noon, January 13, 1945, at 12 o'clock.

Loved ones to survive her passing are as follows: her beloved sister, Miss Minnie Speier of LeMars; the following nephews and nieces, Rudolph Bartels of LeMars; Oswald Bartels of Aberdeen, S. D.; Mrs. Orville Lee, LeMars; Mrs. Louis Fenske, Savage, Montana; Mrs. Ben Nicholson, LeMars. Also 8 grandnieces and grandnephews.

Miss Speier and her sister have been long-time members of the St. John's Evangelical and Reformed congregation of LeMars, having been members of this congregation since 1884. They will long be remembered for their vital interest in the church and the Kingdom of God.

Funeral services for the deceased are to be held at the St. John's Evangelical and Reformed church of LeMars, Wednesday afternoon, January 17, at 2:30 o'clock. Rev. Elmer Broetzmann will officiate. Burial will be in the LeMars City Cemetery. The Mauer morticians have charge of the arrangements and the remains will rest at the Mauer funeral home until the time of the service Wednesday.