Bertha Theisen

Bertha B. Theisen, age 97 of Burtrum, died peacefully surrounded by her family on Sunday, January 5, 2014 at the CentraCare Nursing Home in Melrose, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, January 9 at St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Grey Eagle with Rev. Ronald Dockendorf officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Friends may call from 4 to 8 p.m. Wednesday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Thursday at the church in Grey Eagle. Christian Mothers will pray at 5 p.m. followed by parish prayers at 7 p.m. Wednesday evening at the church.

Bertha Bernadine Wessel was born May 1, 1916 in Melrose Township, Stearns County, Minnesota to August and Mary (Austing) Wessel. She grew up on a farm near Sauk Centre. She was united in marriage to Henry Theisen on July 3, 1944 at St. Paul's Catholic Church in Sauk Centre. Together they raised their family on their farm near Burtrum. She was a member of St. Joseph's Catholic Church in Grey Eagle and the Christian Mothers.

Bertha was well known for her compassion for others, never speaking a bad word of anyone, strong belief in forgiveness, and her belief in God. She was recognized as a great mother and grandmother. All of her grandchildren have fond memories of the unlimited cookies and brownies.

Survivors include her children, Leroy Theisen (Helen Schwagel) of Burtrum, Eugene Theisen of Evansville, Rita (Jesse) Erickson of Ottertail, Edward Theisen of Burtrum, and Karen Sauer (Loren Johnson) of Fargo, North Dakota; grandchildren, David (Ginene) Theisen, Christine (Bruce) Sales, Michael (Aleisha) Theisen, Jeremy Theisen, Matthew (Janelle) Theisen, Jason Theisen, Nicole Schloegl, Julie (Dave) Flexhaug, Tracy (Chris) Frost, and Amy (John) Kveene; ten great-grandchildren; brothers and sister, Gregor Wessel of Swanville, Delbert Wessel of Sauk Centre, Robert Wessel of Sauk Centre, and Hildegard Primus of Perham.

Bertha was in preceded in death by her husband, Henry Theisen on February 19, 2000; parents; daughter, Marcella Schloegl; son-in-law, Warren Schloegl; daughter-in-law, Marilyn Theisen; grandchildren, Jody and Eric Schloegl, and Gerald Theisen; brothers and sisters, Cyril Wessel, Norbert Wessel, Valeria Wolter, Helen Jenc, and Jeannette Derick.

Serving as casket bearers will be David Theisen, Michael Theisen, Jeremy Theisen, Matthew Theisen, Jason Theisen, and Jordan Sales.