Gresser, Bertha Martin (1911-1972)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1972 Jul 20 p. 3

Birth date: 1911

text of obituary:

Ohio Couple Killed in Crossing Accident

Orrville, Ohio. — Double funeral services were held at the Oak Grove Mennonite Church, Smithville, on July 12 for Homer D. Gresser, 72, and his wife Bertha, 61, who died in a railroad crossing accident on Sunday, July 9. Rev. Lester Hostetler and Rev. Lotus Troyer officiated at the services.

Mr. and Mrs. Gresser with their son, Phillip, 29, and a two-year-old grandson, Neil Douce, were on the way home from morning services at the Oak Grove Church when the car driven by Phillip stalled at a railroad crossing. All attempted to escape, with Mrs. Gresser carrying her grandson, when the car was hit by an approaching Penn Central freight train.

The car was thrown and struck Mr. and Mrs. Gresser, causing instant death Phillip and the Douce child escaped with minor injuries.

Mr. Gresser was a dairy farmer, and his wife was a registered nurse. In addition to the son, they leave two daughters, Mrs. Willis Troyer of Smithville and Mrs. Leonard Douce of Wooster, and four grandchildren. Mr. Gresser also is survived by a brother, Orie, of Orrville, while his wife leaves two brothers, Earl Martin of Minot, N.D. and Rev. Glenn Martin of Denver, Colo.; and three sisters, Mrs. Ira Zook and Mrs. Lyle Yost both of Hesston, Kan., and Mrs. Ed Hartzler of Jackson, Minn.

A memorial fund has been established for the Sunshine Children's Home, Maumee, Ohio.