Lilli T. Bertolini

Lilli T. Bertolini, 89 of Port Edwards, passed away on September 19, 2024 at home.
At her request there will be no services.
Lilli was born July 29, 1935, in Hohenfelde, Germany to Emil and Frieda (nee Giese) Welker. She met David Bertolini while he was stationed in Todendorf, Germany with the U.S. Army. They were married May 25, 1960, in Germany. They were blessed to have had 63 years together before his passing in September of 2023.
After her 4 children were of school age, she began working as a clerk for Schroeder's Stores in Wisconsin Rapids and then moved on to the Nekoosa store. Eventually it changed hands and became Beaver's Dime Store, where she stayed until she retired.
She was a master when it came to sewing, crocheting, knitting, macrame and crafting! There wasn't anything she couldn't create! Her sweaters, blankets, crocheted crosses, plant hangers and other items are still enjoyed by many! She was always eager to teach anyone who wanted to learn the crafts. The one game you could always plan on playing when visiting, was her favorite German game, Mensch argere Dich nicht. We spent hours as a family laughing and crying over this game! It was truly a memorable time!
Lilli is survived by her children: Michael (Lori) Bertolini, Marc (Lorri) Bertolini, Karen Bertolini, Carmen (Andrew) Woiak.
Grandchildren: Cassandra Bertolini, Ashley Cartman, Bo Bertolini, Clint Woiak, Karlee Woiak, and Lee Woiak. Great Grandchildren: Johnny and Charlotte Cartman. In Germany, her sister Ute Hildebrandt and sister-in-law Margaret Welker.
Nieces: Maren (Torben) Hildebrandt-Thomsen and Simone (Jorg) Welker-Starr. Nephews: Marco Hildebrandt and Timo (Mia) Welker.
She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother: Uwe Welker, father-in-law: Mathew Bertolini, mother in law: Mildred Roberts, step father in law: Angelo Roberts, brothers in law: Mathew Bertolini and Joachim Hildebrandt.
Thank you to Heartland Hospice nurses and CNAs and Synergy Home Care for the exceptional care that allowed Lilli to stay in her home.