Ehler, Bertha Catherine (Wenthold) -- 1906 - 1996

BUSCH, WENTHOLD, EHLER, IHDE, NOWAK, BAUMLER, SVENSON, LUTKENHAUS

Posted By: M. Durr - IAGenWeb Volunteer
Date: 7/12/2010 at 20:18:49

Bertha Catherine Ehler of Ossian, daughter of the late Barney and Elizabeth (Busch) Wenthold, was born June 19, 1906, in rural Washington Township, Winneshiek County, Festina, Iowa. She died Monday, January 22, 1996 at Winneshiek County Memorial Hospital in Decorah, Iowa.

Bertha was baptized and confirmed in her faith at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Church in Festina. She attended St. Mary's Catholic School in Festina.

On February 21, 1933, she was united in marriage to Felix Bernard Ehler at Our Lady of Seven Dolors Catholic Church by the late Rev. A. J. Rubly. The couple established their home on their farm northeast of Ossian and raised five children. After Felix's death, Bertha continued to reside on the farm until moving to Ossian in the fall of 1972. In December 1986 Bertha moved to the Eastern Star Home in Decorah where she resided until March 1987 when she returned to her home in Ossian. The Eastern Star Home became home to Bertha again in October 1987 until July 1993. She resided at the Oneota Riverview Care Facility from July 1993 until the time of her recent hospitalization.

Bertha was a 63-year member of St. Francis de Sales Church and an honorary member of its Rosary Society. She also was an honorary member of the Catholic Daughters of America court No. 983 of Ossian. Bertha enjoyed her family and many friends, visiting, reading area news, crocheting and playing cards.

Preceding her in death were her parents; her husband, Felix on May 8, 1969; a granddaughter, Joyce A. Ihde on November 30, 1960; a son-in-law, LeRoy Ihde on February 7, 1991; seven brothers, Hugo Wenthold, Frank Wenthold, Ed Wenthold, Arnold Wenthold, Aphonse Wenthold, Rudy Wenthold and Ervin Wenthold; three sisters, Katherin Malone, Monica Wenthold and Emma Lutkenhaus.

Survivors include a son, Ronald (Lorraine) Ehler of Castalia; four daughters: Jeannette Ihde of Clermont, Laverna Nowak of Albert Lea, Minn., Marlene (Irenus) Baumler of Waukon, and DiAnn (Gary) Svenson of Decorah; 13 grandchildren: Jim Ihde, Loren Ihde, Mike Ihde, Darin Svenson, Allan Baumler, Kenny Baumler, Terry Nowak, Julie Stenzel, Deb Nowak, Marie Nowak, Sharon Baumler, Lynnette Ihde and Dawn Svenson and ten great-grandchildren, Krista, Nathan, Kayla, Derek, Evan and Mitchell Ihde and Ben, Josh, Kayla and David Stenzel. Also surviving is a brother, Hubert Wenthold of Decorah, and a sister, Ethel Lutkenhaus of Alta Vista, Iowa.

A funeral mass was held Friday, January 26, 1996 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Ossian. The Rev. Richard Kuhn officiated. Organist was Alan Sensor. Cantor and soloist was Mrs. Lee (Joan) Schissel. Lectors were Sharon Baumler and Debra Nowak. A tribute was given by Dawn Svenson. Offertory gift carriers were Julie Stenzel, Marie Nowak and Lynette Ihde. In honorary attendance was Catholic Daughters of America Court No. 983.

Casket bearers were Jim Ihde, Loren Ihde, Mike Ihde, Darin Svenson, Allan Baumler, Kenny Baumler, Terry Nowak and Darin Svenson. Schmitz Funeral Home of Ossian was in charge of arrangements. Interment was in St. Francis Cemetery, Ossian, Iowa.

Postville, Iowa newspaper of the time clipping, from my mother's obituary collection. Posted for genealogical purposes, contributor is not related.