Obituary of Bertha E. Schreiber

Bertha Emma Rolff Schreiber, Age 99, of Athens, passed away Friday, July 18, 2014 at Hospice House in Wausau while under the care of Aspirus Comfort Care and Hospice Services. Funeral services will be held at 11AM on Wednesday. July 23, 2014 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens with Rev. Andrew Alberts officiating. Burial will take place in Westfield East Cemetery in Westfield. Visitation will be on Wednesday at the church in Athens from 9:30 AM until time of services. Bertha was born December 19, 1914 in Brooklyn, NY, the daughter of Herman and Bertha (Faber) Rolff. She graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from Hartwick College in Oneonta, NY. In April of 1941 she married Pastor Lawrence Schreiber and they then began their journey together across the Midwest. Their first charge was a church in Milwaukee, then to Corning, MO, later Hiawatha, KS. They then returned to Wisconsin to reside in Glidden then Granton and finally Westfield. Sadly, her husband passed away April 6, 1973. Many people were influenced by Bertha over the years. She was a highly trained and talented pianist, organist, choral director and accompanist. Her technical directives were instrumental in many of her student’s successes and added much to the meaning of church services. Her patience and understanding of her student’s needs both as a musical teacher and school teacher made a great influence in the futures of many young people. She will be greatly missed. Hobbies included knitting and crocheting, listening to music, working her flower beds and playing piano. She prided herself on being the supervisor during family building projects as her children recall. She was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Athens and a former ladies aid member at many of the churches they belonged to along the way. Bertha was the organist for Rib Falls Methodist Church until the age of 95. Survivors include her children: Peter (Marge) Schreiber of Granton, Margaret Scott of LaCrosse, Helen Schreiber of Athens, John (Carol) Schreiber of Coopersville, MI and Mary Schreiber of Athens; two daughters-in-law; nine grandchildren; nine great grandchildren and one great great granddaughter and with many other relatives and friends. Bertha was preceded in death by her parents, her husband and three sisters: Louise, Helen and Irma and each of their spouses as well. Arrangements are under the care of Life Tributes Funeral Home-Spencer. Visit www.lifetributesfuneralhome.com to share thoughts and condolences.