|
|
1928 - 2009
AGE: 80
BROPHY, Bertie Lou
Of Kalamazoo
Formerly of Sheboygan, WI
Bertie Lou Mahnke (Bergner) Brophy went peacefully home to the Lord Sunday, March 1, 2009 at Heartland Nursing Home in Kalamazoo. Bertie is survived by her daughter Christine (Charles) Swanson of Lawton; 3 sons, David Mahnke, Daniel (Jody) Mahnke, both of Cedar Rapids, IA, and Mark (Jaime) Mahnke of Bedford Township, MI; 9 grandchildren, Erik (Dominique) Swanson, Johanna Swanson, Diana (Ben) Jones, Kristen Mahnke, David Mahnke, Danielle Mahnke, Abbey Mahnke, Madeline Mahnke, and Alyse Mahnke. Berties husband, Phil Brophy preceded her in death in 2003. Born in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, Bertie Lou Bergner graduated North High School in 1946, attending beauty school and becoming a beautician in 1947. Bertie was a Girl Scout for more than 30 years, leading Girl Scouts and training leaders in Sheboygan, South Bend, Indiana, Eastern Iowa and Williamsport Pennsylvania. Bertie Mahnke was instrumental in forming a Junior Womens Club in Sheboygan and South Bend. In Williamsport, she helped form a singles club that grew from 10 people to a membership of more than 100 in the 1980s. Bertie returned to Sheboygan in 1997 upon retiring as a shoe salesperson and married he Pennsylvania beau, Phil Brophy. In 2003, her move to Michigan was precipitated by her husbands death and her Alzheimers disease. She moved to White Oaks Assisted Living in Lawton for 2 years to be near her daughter before moving to Heartland Nursing Home in Kalamazoo. Outgoing and vivacious dont come close to describing her vibrant personality, even the clouds of Alzheimers never erased who she was at the core. Cremation has taken place and a memorial service will be held in Sheboygan, Wisconsin in the spring. Memorial contributions in Berties memory may be directed to St. Pauls Lutheran Church (1818 N. 13th St., Sheboygan, WI 53081). |
|
There are currently 3 condolences.
Carol and Jim Sands
Thursday March 19, 2009 at
7:41 PM
|
We should all love life as Bertie did.. she was a spark that could not be dimmed even by her illness. She will be remembered for teaching us how to play bridge, for her insights about love and life, and our visit to Vegas. What a "class act". Our condolences to Chris, Dave, Dan and Mark you are more than friends, you are family. Jim and Carol Sands
|
| |
Sheri Mahnke
Greatkids@Sysmatrix.com
Tuesday March 17, 2009 at
10:45 AM
|
It is really nice to see a message from Margaret Chapman, Bertie liked her so much, and I often wondered how Margaret was. Bertie was the most courageous woman I have known. I counted her as a friend, as well as a past mother-in-law. She was always very kind to me and my children. I will see you in heaven, Bertie.
|
| |
Margaret Chapman
Sunday March 8, 2009 at
4:49 PM
|
There are so many fun memories I have of Bertie. I remember all the good times we shared when we met at Newcomers. As families we did a lot of fun things together and then there were the morning coffee breaks, the bridge groups and just hanging out together. I will always treasure those times. When I decided to go into the shoe business Bertie joined me and was such an asset to the business. The laughs we shared while trying to figure out how to run a business drove our husbands nuts. Neither of us were to good with the numbers. The trips we made to our other stores were full of fun times. She made working fun. The people she met always loved her sense of humor and there are still people who come into the store and ask about her. We share many interesting stories. I missed her so much when she decided to leave Williamsport. I still go by her house in Williamsport and say "Hi Bertie". Her singing, fun and humor will always be fond memories.
Margaret and the Cobbler Gang
|
| |
|
