Ellen 'Annie' Bertke, age 88, of Maria Stein, died on Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at Mercer County Community Hospital, Coldwater. She was born October 11, 1924 in Chickasaw, to the late John & Mary (Eyink) Wenning. On September 4, 1943 she married Ralph F. Bertke, and he died January 3, 1973. She is survived by twelve children, Bob & Barb Bertke of Pioneer, Pat & Ken Bensman of New Bremen, Bev & John Froning of Lake City, Tennessee, Tom & Kathy Bertke of Celina, Karen Schulze of Minster, Fred & Gerri Bertke of New Knoxville, Joan & Mark Baumer of Coldwater, Joyce & Pat Berger of Coldwater, Connie & Eric Seger of Ft. Loramie, Virgil & Jane Bertke of St. Marys, Pam & Jim Simon of Troy and Randy & Kim Bertke of Franklin, North Carolina, 44 grandchildren, 76 great-grandchildren, and 5 great-great-grandchildren. She was also preceded in death by a son-in-law, Fred Schulze, three grandchildren, two great-grandchildren, and brothers and sisters, Wilburt Wenning, Hilda Wenning, Arthur Wenning, Luella Kitzmiller, Raymond Wenning, Ralph Wenning, and Dorothy Uhlenhake. She was a member of St. John's Catholic Church, Maria Stein, Uniform Rank Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of St. John, and Maria Stein Senior Citizens. She was an avid card player, enjoyed bowling and bingo, and made rosaries for the missions. Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 10:30 AM on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at Precious Blood Catholic Church, Chickasaw, with Fr. Tom Brenberger, officiating. Burial will follow in St. John Cemetery, Maria Stein. Friends may call on Friday from 2:00 PM to 8:00 PM and on Saturday from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM at the Hogenkamp Funeral Home in Coldwater. Memorials may be made to CA Industries, Celina. Condolences may be left at hogenkampfh.com.
