Bertha Grottke

Bertha Louise Grottke, 104, of Neillsville, WI, died Wednesday, August 18, 2021, at Marshfield Health Services Nursing Home in Marshfield, WI

Bertha Louise Meske was born on December 8, 1916, in Neillsville, Wisconsin the daughter of Herman and Minnie (Finder) Meske. As a child, she spoke only German and had a hard time in school. She was united in marriage to Bernard Grottke on October 12, 1933, in Neillsville. They farmed east of Neillsville and Bertha also worked at Otto Lewerenz’s restaurant, Neillsville Milk Products, Auto Test Corp. in Neillsville and she worked at her sister-in-law’s gift shop in Abbotsford during the Christmas season. She and Bernard moved to Marshfield and she worked for Marshfield Homes. Bernard died on June 5, 1980. When she retired, she moved back to Neillsville.

She was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Neillsville. She loved her grandchildren and enjoyed gardening, crocheting, sewing, quilting and bowling. Bertha was always busy, she never idled which probably helped her live a long life.

She is survived by a daughter, Carol Johnson of Humbird, WI, a son, Roger (Linda) Grottke of Neillsville, WI, eight grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bernard, a daughter, Jean Metcalf Cecil, a grandson, Robert, a great grandchild, two sons-in-law, LaVern Metcalf and Dan Cecil two sisters, Ella Holtz and Mabel Meske, and a brother, Albert Meske.

A Graveside Service for Bertha will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 21, at the Neillsville City Cemetery. Pastor Timothy Biebert will officiate.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com.

Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Bertha’s family with Funeral arrangements.