Andersen, Bertha (1911 – 2008)

ANDERSEN, CHRISTENSEN, HEMMINGSEN

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 9/27/2013 at 15:12:47

Bertha Andersen
August 16, 1911 - November 25, 2008

Visitation
Friday, November 25, 2008
After 9:30 AM
Elk Horn Lutheran Church, Elk Horn, Iowa

Funeral Service
Friday, November 28, 2008
10:30 AM
Elk Horn Lutheran Church,
Elk Horn, Iowa

Officiating
Reverend Keith Andrew Menter

Music
“Rock of Ages” “How Great Thou Art”
“His Eye Is On The Sparrow”
Congregation
“The Lord’s Prayer” Reverend Menter
Laura Olsen, Accompanist

Casket Bearers
Dale Hemmingsen Jeffrey Hemmingsen
Kurt Hemmingsen Jamie Hemmingsen
Tim Fredericksen Charles Larsen

Interment
Elk Horn Lutheran Cemetery
Elk Horn, Iowa
Psalm 23 (Danish)

Bertha Cecelia, daughter of Anders Peder and Ane Marie (Christensen) Andersen, was born August 16, 1911, in Oakfield Township, Audubon County, Iowa. She was baptized at Oak Hill Lutheran Church and later confirmed at Elk Horn Lutheran Church. Bertha attended Clay Township country school and then graduated in 1930 from Elk Horn High School. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in elementary education from Dana College in Blair, Nebraska and then taught school in Elk Horn, Kimballton and Walnut. During summer vacations, she taught at the Okoboji Bible School and church conferences. Her travels to Japan and the Scandinavian countries provided many experience for her. She enjoyed showing her slides to the community and writing about her travels.

Upon retiring from teaching she was librarian of the Elk Horn Library and became active in bringing the Danish windmill to Elk Horn. Because of her Danish background, she helped establish the Danish Immigrant Museum. Her search for Danish relatives and translation of documents for Danish descendants brought much pleasure to her life. She was a member of the teaching staff for the Elder hostels conducted in Elk Horn for five years.

Over the years she enjoyed writing articles about Danish heritage. Bertha was a lifelong devoted member of Elk Horn Lutheran Church where she served as organist, as well as Sunday School Superintendent. Bertha assisted the chaplaincy of Salem Homes by conducting devotions and serving as organist and soloist for many years. Bertha was also a life time member of Delta Kappa Gamma Society International.

In October of 2004, when Bertha was no longer able to live alone, she became a resident of Salem Lutheran Home in Elk Horn. She died there early Tuesday, November 25, 2008, at the age of 97 years, 3 months and 9 days. Preceeding Bertha in death are her parents; sister Hilda and husband Raymond Hemmingsen; “brother” Chris Christensen and nephew Vernon Hemmingsen.

She is survived by three nephews: Raynor Hemmingsen and wife Ingrid of Atlantic; Franklin Hemmingsen and wife Jerri of Elk Horn and Dewey Hemmingsen and wife Ginger of Cedar Rapids; ten great nieces and nephews; other relatives and friends.

Source: Ohde Funeral Home
Posted by permission