Friday, April 12th, 2013
Ellen Bertke
Ellen "Annie" Bertke, 88, Maria Stein, died April 10, 2013, at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater.
She was born Oct. 11, 1924, in Chickasaw to John and Mary Eyink Wenning, who both are deceased. On Sept. 4, 1943, she married Ralph F. Bertke, who died Jan. 3, 1973.
She is survived by 12 children, Bob (Barb) Bertke of Pioneer, Pat (Ken) Bensman of New Bremen, Bev (John) Froning of Lake City, Tenn., Tom (Kathy) Bertke of Celina, Karen Schulze of Minster, Fred (Gerri) Bertke of New Knoxville, Joan (Mark) Baumer of Coldwater, Joyce (Pat) Berger of Coldwater, Connie (Eric) Seger of Fort Loramie, Virgil (Jane) Bertke of St. Marys, Pam (Jim) Simon of Troy and Randy (Kim) Bertke of Franklin, N.C.; 44 grandchildren; 76 great-grandchildren; and five great-great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by a son-in-law, Fred Schulze; three grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and brothers and sisters, Wilburt Wenning, Hilda Wenning, Arthur Wenning, Luella Kitzmiller, Raymond Wenning, Ralph Wenning and Dorothy Uhlenhake.
She was a member of St. John's Catholic Church, Maria Stein, Uniform Rank Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of St. John, and Maria Stein Senior Citizens. She was an avid card player, enjoyed bowling and bingo and made rosaries for the missions.
Mass of Christian Burial is 10:30 a.m. Saturday at Precious Blood Catholic Church, Chickasaw, Rev. Tom Brenberger officiating. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery, Maria Stein.
Calling is 2-8 p.m. Friday and on 9-10 a.m. Saturday at Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Coldwater.
Memorials may be made to CA Industries, Celina.
Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com.
