Berthana Elaine Wirth

July 5, 1934 - November 6, 2018

Berthana Elaine Wirth, age 84 of Spring Grove, MN, passed away Nov. 6, 2018 at Gundersen Health Systems in La Crosse, WI. She was born July 5, 1934 in Hesper, IA to Walter and Luverne (Bryant) Bergsrud. She attended Spring Grove High School. She married Peter Wirth, Jr. on June 21, 1951; they lived in Spring Grove for most of their married lives except for a year in South Carolina in 1964-65. Berthana worked many years at the local IGA store as it changed hands – from Bunge’s to Dahl’s to Benson’s and finally retiring from Red’s. As Deli Manager she created many of the favorite deli recipes that were enjoyed for years. As a member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Spring Grove, she participated in its women’s groups, was a member of the choir, and was an active member of the ¬¬Newsletter Ladies. She had also been active in the American Legion Auxiliary. Over the years, Berthana enjoyed sewing, reading, cooking, and baking. She had a special talent for Rosemaling a Norwegian folk art, and created many beautiful pieces, including providing the artwork on the annual Syttende Mai commemorative souvenirs. Survivors include her children Darla (Jim) Hunzeker of Spring Grove, Gregory (Robyn) Wirth of Hokah, MN, Jeffory (Julie Stemper) of Waukon, IA, and Debra (Kevin) Wolfe of Farmington, MN; thirteen grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren; one brother, Wesley (Peggy) Bergsrud of Anchorage, AK, and one sister, LuCinda Thomas of Four Oakes, NC; one sister-in-law Sylvia Wennes of Mabel, MN and two brothers-in-law Robert (Carolyn) Metcalf of Sumner, IA and Red (Judy) Dahle of Spring Grove. In addition to her parents and her husband Peter, she was preceded in death by her sister LaDeane Dahle and two brothers David and Daryel Bergsrud.