Bertha E. Ochsner

Bertha E. Ochsner, 90, Tuttle, died November 11, 2016, at Sanford Health. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday at 11:00 AM at English Lutheran Church in Tuttle with Rev. Valerie Kinlan officiating. Burial will be at Tuttle Cemetery. Visitation will be held on Tuesday from 6:00 – 8:00 PM at Eastgate Steele Chapel where a prayer service will begin at 7:00 PM. Visitation will continue on Wednesday one hour prior to the service at the church. Bertha Emma Heidt was born on October 25, 1926, in Arena, ND, the daughter of Fred and Lydia (Goll) Heidt. She was baptized on March 6, 1927 by Pastor Marcus Baudler at Zion Langedahl Church. She grew up in Arena and attended grade school at Lein School #2 through the 8th grade and was confirmed in 1940 at English Evangelical Lutheran Church in Tuttle by Pastor G.A. Schmidt. Bertha graduated from Tuttle High School in 1944. She then attended Valley City State Teacher’s College for two summer terms and taught rural school for four years. She married Theodore Carl Ochsner on June 27, 1948, at Zion Langedahl Lutheran Church southwest of Tuttle, ND, and together they had six children; three boys and three girls. Bertha worked as a clerk at the Tuttle Post Office from October 1, 1960 – August 19, 1972 and then became postmaster from August 1972 – December 1, 1986 when she retired after 26 years of service. Ted passed away on March 2, 2000, at their home. Bertha served on the church council as treasurer; was president, treasurer, and life-member of VFW Auxiliary; was secretary-treasurer for a number of years for the Senior Citizens Club; and was a member of the Tuttle Progressive Homemakers Club. Bertha is survived by two sons, Myron of Minot, and Kurt (Lisa) of Steele; three daughters, Theo (Burdell) Johnson of Tuttle, Sherolyn (Gary) Hetletved of Robinson, and Lori (Robin) Stark of Hastings, MN; 19 grandchildren; 30 great-grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Theodore; one son, Craig; and one grandson, Caleb.