Funeral Card (from the collection of Merna Dietz Holkum)
Mrs. J. E. Morgenstern
Bertha, daughter of John and Maria M. (Herman) Heil, was born Aug. 1, 1902, near Hoisington in north Barton County, Kan. She died June 13, 1972, at Russell, Kan. Her age was 69 years, 10 months and 13 days.
She was a lifelong resident of the Russell - Barton Counties area. She was baptized in infancy, later confirmed in the Lutheran faith and, at the time of her death, had been a faithful and devoted member of St. John Lutheran Church, Russell.
She was married to John E. Morgenstern on May 27, 1919, at Hoisington. They established their farm home in the Milberger community south of Russell. Three children were born to this union, all of whom survive.
In 1949 Mr. and Mrs. Morgenstern retired from active farming and moved to 405 E. 7th St., Russell. Here also they became a vital part of the community life. Mrs. Morgenstern became ill three and a half years ago and was under medical, hospital and nursing care until her death.
Her passing will be deeply mourned by her family, her church, by neighbors and friends, and her many deeds of love, devotion, sacrifice and faith will always be treasured.
Survivors are the widower of the home; three children, LeRoy of Hosington, Leon of Broomfield, Colo., and Mrs. Glen (Gloria) Sellens, Russell; 13 grandchildren, 9 great grandchildren; five brothers, Paul, Mitchell, Neb., Julius, Colorado Springs, Colo., Leo, Hastings, Neb., LeRoy and Sheldon Heil, both of Scottsbluff, Neb.; and six sisters, Mrs. William (Mary) Tittel, Russell, Mrs. Emma Albaugh, Torrington, Wyo.; Mrs. Lydia Hoffman, Bridgeport, Neb., Mrs. Elsie Williams, Scottsbluff, Neb., Mrs. Martha Teel, Clearwater, Fla., and Mrs. Vera Hodge, Stoughton, Wis.; numerous under other relatives and many friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents and beloved granddaughter, Sheryl Beth Sellens, one brother and one sister.
Memorial Services - Conducted from St. John Lutheran Church, June 16, 1972 at 2 p.m., Pastor Earnest Pihl officiating.
Organist - Mrs. Howard Vladar
Duet - Mrs. Kenneth Dumler, Ed Sewell
Quartet - Ferd Niedenthal, Emil Niedenthal, Bernhardt Deines, Ed Sewell
Hymns - "Only Trust in Jesus" "Softly and Tenderly"
Casket Bearers - Roland Morgenstern, Luther Morgenstern, Marvin Krug, Tillman Krug, Ralph Tittel, Harold Heil
Laid to Rest - In Milberger Lutheran Cemetery
Services entrusted to - Deines Brothers Funeral Home, Russell, Kansas

(Obituary provided by Glenda Brack)