Bertha Prasse

Bertha Prasse, 101 of Lena, formally of Freeport, a resident of Lena Living Center, passed away on November 3, 2016. She was born October 19, 1915 in Stephenson County, the daughter of Samuel and Elsie (Rampenthal) Gassman. On August 17, 1935, she married Emmert C. Prasse at Salem Evangelical Church, near Lena. They spent 72 years together until he passed away on April 3, 2008. Bertha was a lifelong member of Salem United Church of Christ. She and her husband farmed together in rural Lena for 30 years on the family farm. After moving to Freeport, she worked at J.C. Penney's for 15 years. Her hobbies were knitting, crocheting, landscape painting on canvas, and gardening especially her roses. She was a self taught musician playing piano, accordion, organ, and harmonica. She was an excellent seamstress; she especially enjoyed sewing her daughters wedding dresses. She will be fondly remembered for all her "smiles" and sadly missed by family and friends. Survivors include: son Roger Prasse; two daughters Marilyn (Robert) Staub Dickeyville, WI and Joan (James) Yeakle of Lena; seven grandchildren Teresa Roling, Tim (Ann Marie) Staub, Ann Staub, Joseph Staub, Jill Peyton, Jay (Shelly Anderson) Yeakle, Jon (Lynn) Yeakle, and Allan (Tina) Burr; 13 great-grandchildren, 10 great-great grandchildren, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband; her son Robert Prasse; her parents; two sisters Esther (Gassman) Abels and Lucille (Gassman) Coomber; mother and father-in-law; brothers-in-laws Marvin Abels, Malcolm Coomber, Arthur Rogers, and Martin Goodrich; sister-in-laws Doris (Prasse) Rogers and Marion (Prasse) Goodrich; three grandchildren Pamela (Staub) Burr, Michael Staub, and Mary Jane Staub; grandson-in-law Larry Roling; two nephews; one niece; and one great-great-grandson Alex Yeakle. Funeral services will be held 1:00 P.M. Wednesday November 9, 2016 at Salem United Church of Christ near Lena with Pastor Randal Nicholas officiating. Visitation will be from 11:00 until the time of service at the church. Burial will be in Salem Cemetery. In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in Bertha's name. Please visit www.burketubbs.com to sign her online guestbook and to share memories.