Bertram, Bertha (Mrs. Fred) 1846-1933

BERTRAM, FLETHMANN

Posted By: Wilma J. Vande Berg - volunteer (email)
Date: 12/8/2016 at 18:01:44

The Ireland Ledger March 2, 1933
MRS, B. BERTRAM 86, PIONEER HERE DIED MONDAY

Mrs. Bertha Bertram, for 52 years resident of the Ireton community, died at the home of her daughter, Mrs. B Fritz, last Monday morning, February 27th. Thus is removed another of the early pioneers of northwest Iowa and one who had spent practically her entire life since young womanhood n the association of the residents of this vicinity ever doing her full part in the development of this fine community.

Grandma Bertram as widely known and by reason of her kindly and friendly disposition endeared herself to her many acquaintances during the many years of her residence here. The passing of Mrs. Bertram will be deeply grieved by all who knew her, but there is consolation in the fact that she lived a good life \n the Christian faith and has but passed on to enjoy the blessedness of her eternal home.

Mrs. Bertha Bertram, nee Flethmann, was born at Kettwig on the Rhine, Germany, on August 19th, I846, where she was also baptized and confirmed in the Christian faith. When grown to womanhood she was united in marriage to Mr. Fredrick Bertram of Essen Germany. The young couple established their home at Essen where Mr. Bertram was engaged in mining. In 1881 the family emigrated to America, coming directly to Soo County, Iowa, where Mr. Bertram bought a farm east of Ireton. Many were the privations and hardships of the pioneer days and the departed was well acquainted with them. The family suffered a severe reverse when, in 1888, the husband and father departed this life. With great difficulty and with admirable courage the widow carried on and with her diligent children maintained and enlarged the home. In 1901 the 17 years old son and brother Henry, followed his father. The departed retired from the farm home in 1905 and came to Ireton. In 1910 she made an extended visit to her native land, renewing acquaintances among relative and friends. After he returned she continued to live in Ireton and until recently hen he daughter, Mrs. Bert Fritz persuaded her invalid mother to stay with her. Amid the cheerful surroundings and tender care she was suddenly overtaken with a paralytic stroke on Feb. 21. She lingered on until Monday morning last, when, she departed faithfully and peacefully, at the age of 80 years, 6 months and 8 days. Her demise is mourned by four sons, Fred and Charles of Ireton, Ernest of Hartley, and William; of Le Mars; two daughters, Mrs. H. Witt of Hawarden and Mrs. B. Fritz of Ireton; twelve grandchildren and twenty-two great grandchildren, besides a host of other relatives and friends. The Grand children, Rudolf Bertram, Lorens Bertram, Henry Witt, Alfred Witt and Ray Bertram were pallbearers.

Mrs. Bertram was a faithful and diligent wife to her husband, a loving and devoted mother to her children. As a lifelong member of the Lutheran church she affiliated with St. Paul's of Ireton and for many years she was an active member of its Aid Society.

Funeral services were conducted from the home of Mrs. Bert Fritz and St. Paul's Lutheran church on this, Thursday, afternoon, March 2nd, by the Rev. F. W. Bruch. Burial was made in Reading Township cemetery.