Mary Elizabeth Bertelsen

1927 - 2016

MONMOUTH - Mary Elizabeth (Allen) Bertelsen 89 of Little York, died Dec. 31, 2016, at Legacy Estates in Monmouth. She was born Dec. 12, 1927, in Sumner Township, Little York the daughter of James B. and Jennie V. (Sward) Allen. Mary married Donald Bertelsen at First Lutheran Church in Monmouth on June 7, 1946. He preceded her in death Oct. 7, 2012.
Don was a farmer who enjoyed farming and caring for the family farm his entire life.
Surviving are three sons, Allen L. (Pat) Bertelsen of Glen Ellyn, Thomas A. (Sue) Bertelsen of Little York, Brian S. Bertelsen of Dodge City, Iowa; two daughters, Shirley (C.J.) Madden of Springfield, Missouri, and Sally A. Hanneman of Goodlettsville, Tennessee; 9 grandchildren, Beth Bertelsen Dornbush, Andrew Bertelsen, Nathan Madden, Kiersten Madden, Carrie Pollard, Chris Bertelsen, Maribeth Gambill, Cole Bertelsen, and Chloe Bertelsen; 11 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her husband, parents, brother (James B. Allen), sister (Doris Frederick)
Mary graduated Little York High School in 1945 where she was valedictorian of her class. She went to Western Illinois summer school. She taught country school for one year. Mary farmed with her husband for many years. She was an active member of First Lutheran Church in Monmouth. She held offices in the women's circles and WELCA Church Council and Stephen Ministry Program. She was active in the Red Cross where donated over 18 gallons over the years. She volunteered at CMC Auxiliary. She was part of the CROP Hunger Walks. She was a Little York Farmerette. Mary and Don were very proud of their Danish and Swedish heritage. One thing Mary is very proud of is being a good steward of God's creation. Mary and Don loved the land they cared for and left it better than they found it.
Memorial service will be at 11 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 7, 2017, at First Lutheran Church of Monmouth. A visitation will be from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at Wise Family-Hoover Hall Funeral Home Monmouth. Cremation rites have been accorded and burial will be at a later date. In lieu of flowers memorials may be made to First Lutheran Church of Monmouth, and ELCA Good Gifts Fund. Please sign the online guestbook at Wise Family - Hoover Hall. Wise Family Funeral Homes Monmouth is in charge of the arrangements.