Numedahl, Bertha Magdalene (Simonson) 1929 - 2015
NUMEDAHL, SIMONSON, HATLAN, MEUWISSEN, CENESKIE, JOHNSON
Posted By: Joy Moore (email)
Date: 2/7/2015 at 10:46:53
Bertha Magdalene Numedahl entered the kingdom of God at Reflections Care Center in Northfield, Minn., Feb. 2, 2015, meeting her Lord, and reuniting her with her beloved Ken. Visitation is Friday, Feb. 6, at Michaelson Funeral Home, from 5-8 p.m. and one hour prior to the service in the church. Funeral services are Saturday, Feb. 7, at 10 a.m. at Trinity Lutheran Church, with the Reverend Todd Buegler officiating. Interment is in the Calmer Lutheran Cemetery in Calmar.
Memorials are preferred to be sent to Reflections Care Suites in Northfield, Minn., in Bertha’s name, local hospice or cancer fund of the donor’s choice, or Trinity Lutheran Church in Owatonna.
Bertha was born March 25, 1929, to Mabel (Hatlan) and Tollie Simonson on the family farm in the heart of the Kickapoo Valley, in Folsom, Wis. Bertha was baptized at Franklin Lutheran Church in Vernon County, Wis., and confirmed Dec. 6, 1942. Bertha and her siblings were all active with responsibilities and chores on their family farm. Bertha graduated from Sherry School, and received her diploma from Readstown High School in 1947. While in high school, Bertha was active in choir and plays. She was in both the junior and senior class plays, and as a senior she played the role of Adelaide in the play “Johnny Get Your Girl.” She went on to Luther College in Decorah to become a teacher. Her first school was a one-room country school house with all grades kindergarten through sixth grade as her classroom. While living in Decorah she became a member of Decorah Lutheran Church. While singing in the church choir she met the love of her life, Kenneth Numedahl. They were married June 21, 1953. Kenneth’s job took them from Decorah to St Paul, Minn., where Bertha taught preschool. There they had their first child, Gary. Shortly after their daughter Laurie was born, the family moved to Sioux Falls, S.D. Bertha was active in the PTA (Parent Teacher Association), was the captain of a women’s winning dart ball team, and she was active in her church. She would say her greatest joy was being home caring for, enjoying and loving her husband and children. They moved to Owatonna in 1972, where Bertha and Kenneth remained. Kenneth passed on to the Lord Oct. 26, 2013, after a blessed 60 years together. Bertha lived in their home until January of 2015, when her health caused her to be hospitalized. Bertha was known throughout her life as a woman of faith. She had Bible verses and words of encouragement written and placed all around her house to encourage and inspire her. She was an amazing baker and cook. She is quite famous for the noodles she made for her grandchildren, perfectly round lefsa, and her potato salad for family reunions. She most treasured the time spent with her children and grandchildren. She attended their sporting and musical events until she was no longer able. Bertha is lovingly remembered by her family for being thoughtful and supportive. She would send letters, notes and cards regularly to her family to let them all know she was thinking about them, and loved them. The nurses at the end of her life consistently shared with family how gracious she was, and so sweet.
Bertha is survived by her children: son, Gary (Kristen) Numedahl, of Tulsa, Okla. and daughter, Laurie (Paul) Meuwissen, of Lonsdale, Minn.; her grandchildren: Joshua (Alyssa) Meuwissen of Minneapolis, Minn., Lindsay Meuwissen, of Sioux Falls, S.D., Lauren Numedahl, of Sioux Falls, S.D. and Taylor Numedahl, of Tacoma, Wash.; her brother, Tollie (Elaine) Simonson, of Eastman, Wis. and her brother-in-law, Carl Ceneskie, of Atlanta, Ga.; and many loved nieces and nephews.
Bertha was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Kenneth; her sisters, Myra Johnson and Ardella Ceneskie; and brothers: Tilman, Sidney, Burnie and Norman Simonson. Blessed be their memory.
Source: Decorah Newspapers February 4, 2015
Calmar Lutheran Cemetery gravestone
Winneshiek Obituaries maintained by Bruce Kuennen.
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