"9/16/'09 To The Berte Families- My thoughts and prayers are with you all as you mourn the loss of your loved one Eleanor Berte. She was a special and friendly lady and will be missed by many of you. My Parents John(Dec.2003) and Elizabeth VonBank who were formerly of Algona, Iowa but my Mother lives in Nevis, Minnesota now had bought a 1961 Dodge from August and Eleanor Berte and they were very proud of that car. Your folks were very special people and loved life- now they are together in heaven. You all have my deepest sympathy and condolences. With Sympathy and Prayers- Mark J. VonBank-Park Rapids, Minnesota"
In loving memory of
Eleanor Berte
September 5, 2009
Burial: St. John's Catholic Cemetery ~ Bancroft, Iowa
Mary Eleanor Kollasch was born April 30, 1927 in Whittemore, daughter of John and Agatha (Laubenthal) Kollasch. She grew up near Whittemore graduating from Presentation Academy in 1944.
On January 20, 1947, Eleanor was united in marriage to August William Berte at St. Michael's Catholic Church in Whittemore. They farmed all of their married life southeast of Bancroft, until retiring and building a new home in Bancroft in 1993.
Eleanor's hobbies were gardening, cooking, sewing, music, and spending time with family and friends. She received a piano Diploma in classical music from Presentation Academy of which she was most proud of. She especially liked going to Polka Fests, Titonka Indian Days, and car shows with August. In later years, August and Eleanor enjoyed spending their winters in Arizona. Eleanor will always be remembered for her compassion, commitment and courage to always be there for her family. She was devoted to her faith to sustain her in times of tragedy and hardship. She taught her family by word and deed the meaning of faith and giving of yourself to others.
Mary Eleanor Berte died Saturday, September 5, 2009 at the Algona Manor Care Center at the age of 82.
She is survived by 14 children, Mary Bergman of Apache Junction, AZ, Joan Kellner (Tom) of Livermore, Marita Cook (Michael) of Thompson, Arnie (Mary) of Burt, Phil (Patty) of Bancroft, Debra Kahler (Allen) of Swea City, Linda Meyer (Keith) of Gilbert, AZ, Diane Munyer (Brian) of Ledyard, Teresa Mulligan (Steve) of Bancroft, Ann Mulligan of Apache Junction, AZ, Ruth Nemmers (Bob) of Swea City, Carl (Jennifer) of Swea City, Steve (Mary Kay) of Lakota, and Daniel (Pam) of Lakota; one daughter-in-law, Delta Berte of Bancroft; 37 grandchildren; and 32 great-grandchildren. She was also survived by three sisters, Marjorie Rohlf (Virgil) of Ankeny, Norrine Coleman (Ed) of Clare, and Sister Mary Marita PBVM of Mount Loretta Convent in Dubuque; a sister-in-law, Mary Ann Kollasch of Algona; and many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents, John and Agatha Kollasch; her husband August on June 9, 2002; her son Edward on July 2, 2002; granddaughters, Emily Berte and Anita Frank; sons-in-law, Art White and Kenny Bergman; a sister, Ruth Kohlhaas and her husband Ralph; a brother, Marvin Kollasch; brothers-in-law, Louis Laubenthal, Adam Berte, and Alfred Berte; sister-in-law, JoAnne Berte; and niece and nephews, Vicki Rohlf Hutchins, Allan Kollasch, Richard Laubenthal, Larry Berte, Gerald Kohlhaas, and Randy Kohlhaas.
Tributes
"Dear Steve, and Mary Kay, and family, I was so sorry to hear about your Mom. It's been quite a year for the Class of '85 with Bill, Lisa and I also losing our mothers. Please know that your whole family has my deepest sympathy and that I will keep all of you in my thoughts and prayers. May you cherish happy memories to help you through this difficult time. Sincerely, Cecilia"
"Very sorry to hear about your mother passing away. You all have our sympathy in this tough time.Memmories will always be remembered. God Be with you through this time in need.Take Care!!!!! Angie & Gary Schneider"
"Our deepest sympathies. "
"May you be blessed with the many memories and good times you had with your mother. May she rest in peace. God be with you!"
"To THE BERTE FAMILY:OUR SINCERE CONDOLENCES. LarryJorgensen@ Jane"