Obit: Schreiber, Bertha Emma (1914 - 2014)

Contact: Robert Lipprandt
bob@wiclarkcountyhistory.org 

Surnames: Alberts, Faber, Rolff, Scott, Schreiber

----Source: The Record - Review (Abbotsford, WI) 7/24/2014

Schreiber, Bertha Emma (Rolff) (19 DEC 1914 - 18 JUL 2014)

Bertha Emma Rolff Schreiber, 99, Athens, passed away Friday, July 18, 2014, at Hospice House in Wausau while under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services.

Bertha was born December 19, 1914, in Brooklyn, N.Y., the daughter of Herman and Bertha (Faber) Rolff. She graduated with a bachelor’s degree from Hartwick College in Oneonta, N.Y.

In April of 1941 she married Pastor Lawrence Schreiber and they then began their journey together across the midwest. Their first charge was a church in Milwaukee, then to Corning, Mo., later Hiawatha, Kan. They then returned to Wisconsin to reside in Glidden, then Granton, and finally Westfield. Sadly, her husband passed away April 6, 1973.

Many people were influenced by Bertha over the years. She was a highly trained and talented pianist, organist, choral director and accompanist. Her technical directives were instrumental in many of her student’s successes and added much to the meaning of church services. Her patience and understanding of her student’s needs, both as a musical teacher and school teacher, made a great influence in the futures of many young people. She will be greatly missed.

Hobbies included knitting and crocheting, listening to music, working her flower beds and playing piano. She prided herself on being the supervisor during family building projects, as her children recall.

She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens and a former Ladies Aid member at many of the churches they belonged to along the way. Bertha was the organist for Rib Falls Methodist Church until the age of 95.

Survivors include her children, Peter (Marge) Schreiber of Granton, Margaret Scott of La Crosse, Helen Schreiber of Athens, John (Carol) Schreiber of Coopersville, Mich., and Mary Schreiber of Athens; two daughters-in-law; nine grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; one great-great-granddaughter; and many other relatives and friends.

Bertha was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; and three sisters, Louise, Helen and Irma; and each of their spouses as well.

Funeral service was held at 11 a.m. on Wednesday, July 23, 2014, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens with Rev. Andrew Alberts presiding. Burial took place in Westfield East Cemetery in Westfield. Visitation was on Wednesday at the church in Athens from 9:30 a.m. until time of service.

Arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com  to share thoughts and condolences.