Dalke, Bertha Louise (1922-1944)

Mennonite Weekly Review obituary: 1944 Mar 9 p. 3

Birth date: 1922 Aug 18

text of obituary:

BERTHA LOUISE DALKE

Bertha Louise Dalke was born August 18, 1922 near Hampton, Nebraska, and departed this life Tuesday morning, February 8, 1944, in the home of her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Dalke near Luton, Iowa. She reached the age of 21 years 5 months and 20 days.

When she was four years old, she moved with her parents to Madrid, Nebraska, where she spent most of her childhood years. When she was 12 years old she became ill, which proved to be leakage of the heart. Under medical care she recovered in time and enjoyed fair health though the weak heart stayed with her.

During a series of evangelistic meetings held in the Mennonite church at Madrid, Nebraska, by Rev. J. J. Esau she accepted Christ as her personal Saviour. Through the providence of God Rev. Esau also conducted evangelistic meetings in the Mennonite Church of Luton, Iowa, during the week when Bertha passed away. It was her privilege to have him at her bedside to speak comfort to her and sing together with several other friends the last two days before her departure.

Bertha was baptized May 31, 1936, by Rev. N. P. Janzen, who was then pastor of the First Mennonite church of Madrid, Nebraska, and was accepted as a member of that church and retained her membership there until her end.

In 1939 she moved with her parents to Iliff, Colo., where she graduated from high school, earning the highest honors. she attended the State Teachers College of Greeley, Colorado, for one year.

In 1942 she moved with her parents to Luton, Iowa. Since she had consecrated her life to the Lord Jesus Christ and desired to serve Him as He would lead, she went to Chicago to attend the Moody Bible Institute. She spent about one and one-half years in Chicago, attending evening school and doing secretarial work for Hibbard, Bartlet and Spencer Company to earn her expenses. Last summer, while she was still in Chicago, her health began to fail. She came home in August and was soon ordered to bed by the physician, which she has not been able to leave until the Lord took her home. Throughout her illness which has lasted for nearly six months, Bertha has been very patient and cheerful. She never complained in spite of the discomfort and suffering she had to undergo. She never gave up hope for recovery until the very last days but was also resigned and committed to the Lord's will. She said at different times that she was ready to go if it was the Lord's will and the last day she said she was willing to go and sometimes longed for the heavenly home.

Bertha leaves her parents, Mr. and Mrs. Albert Dalke of Salix, Iowa: three brothers, Herbert M. Dalke of Terry, Montana, Willard James, and Irvin Wendel, both at home, five sisters, Mrs. Katharine Warkentin of Chicago, Illinois; Rachel Wilma, Alma Ruth, Ruby Marie, and Alieda Mae, all at home, one brother-in-law, Henry Warkentin of Chicago, Illinois, and many friends and relatives who are saddened by her early departure but rejoice to know that she went to be with the Lord whom she served faithfully. Her life, though brief, has been a blessing and an inspiration to the family and many friends who have learned to know her.

Funeral Services were held at the Evangelical Mennonite Brethren church of Luton, Iowa, led by Rev. Anton Becker, pastor of the church and assisted by Rev. J. J. Esau, evangelist, and Rev. J. R. Warkentin, formerly pastor of the First Mennonite church of Madrid, Nebraska.

Special music was brought by Johnny and Mabel Siebert who sang "The Savior for Me" by William M. Runyan, a song with Bertha especially loved to sing. Peter E. Buller sang "Take my Hand, Precious Lord" by Thomas A. Dorsey. Rev. Anton Becker, Rev. J. J. Esau and Rev. J. R. Warkentin sang "Under His Wings," the same song which they also sang for Bertha the last evening before she passed away. A quartet consisting of John, Edward, Dan, and Allen Penner sang "Shall we meet Beyond the River" and Johnny and Mabel Siebert, Ruby Siebert, and Edward Penner sang "Heaven Holds All to Me" at the chapel in the cemetery. Pall-bearers were Johnny Siebert, Wilmer Siebert, Arlin Siebert, John Penner, Irwin Penner, and Albert Warkentin. Interment was made in Graceland Park cemetery, Sioux City, Iowa. She is gone to that better land where we all hope to meet her some glorious day. — Albert Dalke and family.