Bertha Grottke

Bertha Grottke, age 104, of Neillsville, WI died Wednesday, August 18, 2021 at Marshfield Health Services Nursing Home in Marshfield, WI

Bertha Louise Meske was born on December 8, 1916 in Neillsville, Wisconsin the daughter of Herman and Minnie (Finder) Meske. As a child, she only spoke German and had a hard time in school. She was united in marriage to Bernard Grottke on October 12, 1933 in Neillsville. They farmed east of Neillsville and Bertha also worked at Otto Lavencz’s restaurant, Neillsville Milk Products, Auto Test Corp in Neillsville and she worked at her sister-in-law’s gift shop in Abbotsford during the Christmas season. Her and Bernard moved to Marshfield and she worked for Marshfield Homes. Bernard died on June 5, 1980. When she retired, she moved back to Neillsville.

She was a member of St. John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church in Neillsville. She loved her grandchildren and enjoyed gardening, crocheting, sewing, quilting and bowling. Bertha was always busy, she never idled which probably helped her live a long life.

She is survived by a daughter, Carol Johnson of Humbird, WI, a son, Roger (Linda) Grottke of Neillsville, WI, eight grandchildren, several great grandchildren, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, Bernard, a daughter, Jean Metcalf Cecil, a grandson, Robert, a great grandchild, two sons-in-law, LaVern Metcalf and Dan Cecil two sisters, Ella Holtz and Mabel Meske, and a brother, Albert Meske.

A Graveside Service for Bertha will be held at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, August 21, 2021 at the Neillsville City Cemetery. Pastor Timothy Biebert will officiate.

Online Condolences may be made at www.geschefh.com. 

Gesche Funeral Home and Cremation Service is assisting Bertha’s family with Funeral arrangements.

Feel free to contact us with questions and/or comments.