Bertha Marie Hilger

Bertha M. Hilger, 98, was called home by her Lord on October 22, 2012. She was born on July 7, 1914 in David City, NE, the daughter of John and Augusta (Benda) Birkel. She attended St. Mary's Catholic grade school through eighth grade and graduated from David City Public High School. After graduating she attended the University of Nebraska in the summer. Bertha taught country school until her marriage.Bertha married Walter P. Hilger on June 4, 1940 at St. Mary's Catholic Church in David City, NE. They farmed west of David City until 1963 when they moved to Iowa and farmed 2 miles east of Kingsley. Upon retiring from farming they moved into Kingsley and she worked as a cook at the KingsleyNursing Home. In 1973 they returned to David City and Bertha worked at St. Joseph's Villa until her retirement. In 2006, when Bertha's health started to fail, she moved to Kingsley to be near her family. Bertha was an avid Husker fan. She would watch or listen to the Cornhuskersevery Saturday. She enjoyed gardening, playing cards, and music, but above all, reading and playing with her grandchildren and great grandchildren.She is survived by her daughter Cheryle (Rich) Krosch, son William (Deb) Hilger all of Kingsley. Grand children, Derrick (Jaime) Hilger of Pittsburg,PA,Brad (Katie) Hilger of Sartell, MN, Greg Hilger of Brunsville, MN, Aaron Hilger of Burlington, NC, Tim (Leah) Krosch of Westfield, MA, Scott (Sonya)Krosch, Becky (Corey) Sitzmann, Stacy (Scott) Bohle, and Darcy (Aaron) Crabb all of Kingsley. Sixteen great grandchildren.Bertha is preceded in death by her parents, husband Walter in 1993, son James in 1993, two brothers, John Birkel and Herman Birkel in infancy,sisters Caroline Birkel, Genevive Hanus, Josephine Albers and Angeline Sutter.