Bernice Augusta Bertha Bartels, the daughter of John and Mathilde (Schoenfeld) Ahrens, was born on July 13, 1911, on a farm in rural
Thayer County
,
Nebraska
. She was one of seven children born to her parents.
She passed away on April 10, 2011, at Thayer County Health Services, in
Hebron
,
Nebraska
, at the age of 99 years, 8 months and 27 days. Bernie was baptized and confirmed at
Peace
Lutheran
Church
in Deshler.
She attended rural schools in
Hebron
and Deshler, through the eighth grade.
Bernie was married to Edwin Denzin.
A few years later on April 25, 1936 Ed was killed in an automobile accident.
She was united in marriage to Wilbert Bartels at
Peace
Lutheran
Church
in Deshler on December 22, 1937, by Rev. Fred Schwerin.
Together they made their home in Deshler where they both were employed at the Deshler Broom Factory, until their retirement. Together they enjoyed traveling and going for drives in the evenings. They had been married for 66 years. Bernie was a member of
Peace
Lutheran
Church
and the WELCA.
She was also a member of the American Legion Auxiliary in Deshler. She enjoyed quilting and embroidering, playing dominoes and spending time with her family. She was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Edwin in 1936 and Wilbert on January 21, 2004; four brothers, Milton Ahrens, Everett Ahrens, Alfred Ahrens and Elden Ahrens; and one sister, Vera Deal.
She is survived by her sister, Buelah Marie Waggener of
Hebron
,
NE
; other relatives and friends.
Funeral services were held on Thursday, April 14, 2011 at 2:00 PM, at
Peace
Lutheran
Church
in
Deshler
,
Nebraska
with Rev. Phillip Nielsen officiating. Music was "What A Friend We Have In Jesus" and "Children Of The Heavenly Father" with Howard Pohlmann as soloist and Heidi Isernhagen as organist. Pallbearers were Ray Wharton, Daniel McFarland, Brian Isernhagen, Don Stelling, and Larry Hiller. Interment was in the
Deshler
City
Cemetery
at
Deshler
,
Nebraska
.
Memorials have been established to
Peace
Lutheran
Church
, Deshler.
