The Free Press, Mankato, MN

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January 31, 2009

Bertha Vogelsang



Bertha Loretta Vogelsang, 96, of Matawan, MN, died Thursday, Jan. 29, 2009 at Colony Court in Waseca, MN. Funeral Services will be held Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2009 at 10:30 a.m. at Zoar United Church of Christ in Waldorf, MN. Visitation will be Monday, Feb. 2, from 4:00-8:00 p.m. at Bruss-Heitner Funeral Home in Wells and one hour prior to the service at the church. Pastor Danielle Goette will officiate and burial will be in Dunbar Memorial Cemetery in Minnesota Lake Twp., Faribault Co., MN.

Bertha Loretta Vogelsang was born August 7, 1912, the daughter of Herman and Ida (Hansen) Sorensen in Walnut Lake Twp, Faribault Co., MN. Bertha was educated in rural schools. As a young woman she was employed doing domestic work for families in Mankato. On January 1, 1934, she was united in marriage to Melvin H. Vogelsang in Vivian Township. She was confirmed in the Norwegian Savior’s Lutheran Church, Wells, for many years belonged to Dunbar E.U.B Church, and was an active member of Zoar United Church of Christ for over 50 years serving her church as a Sunday School teacher, President of the Women’s Guild and a conference delegate. She was involved in the Farm Bureau, Home Extension groups, school PTA’s and was a 4-H leader. She was a member of the Waldorf Senior Citizens. Throughout her many years she contributed service to her community and individuals in need. Melvin and Bertha farmed in Vivian Township for most of their married life and moved to Matawan in 1964. They remained involved in farming into their retirements. Her life centered on her role of farm wife, mother to five children and being a grandmother. Bertha was well known for her bread baking, baking and cooking skills. Her interests included sewing, gardening and growing plants. She enjoyed word puzzles-the daily Cryptoquote, Word Jumble and crossword puzzles. She was an outstanding Scrabble player. She loved a good card game with her family and friends. As an avid reader, she was quick to discuss politics and public affairs. She loved her country. People enjoyed Bertha’s quick wit and conversation. She took great joy and pride in her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren. She enjoyed visiting with her many friends and family members.

She is survived by 2 sons: James of Clearlake, WA, Robert (Shirley) of Waldorf, MN; 3 daughters: Lois (Robert) Kelly of Brooklyn Center, MN, Kay (Perry) Harmon of Hawley, MN, Bonita (Russell) Schultz of Rochester, MN; 13 grandchildren: 13 great-grandchildren; 6 great-great-grandchildren; 3 sisters: Genevieve Stoltz of Wells, Pearl (David) Homolka of Mt. Home, AK; Marion (Frank) McDaniel of Arlington, TX; sisters-in-law: June Sorensen of Albert Lea, MN and Gladys Johanson of Wells, MN; brother-in-law: Arnold Meyer of Wells, MN, and many nieces and nephews.

She is preceded in death by her parents, husband Melvin (1991), brother, Orla; sisters: Eloise Neitzel and Laurel (in infancy); brothers-in-law: Milton Vogelsang, George Neitzsel, Art Truelson; sisters-in-law: Mabel Beulow and Ellen Meyer; one step-grandson: Robert B. Kelly.

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