Freeport-Bertha Mary Walter, 95, of Freeport, died Sunday, June 5, 2005, at Provena St. Joseph Home.
Born October 7, 1909 in Harlem Township she was the daughter of J. George and Anna Marie (Walter) Walter.
A graduate of Freeport High School she was a lifelong member of Immanuel Lutheran Church.
For a number of years she was a secretary in the Printing Division of the W.T. Rawleigh Company, and for 35 years was employed by Burgess Cellulose-3M Company until retiring in 1974.
Bertha was one of the first women in the Freeport area to hold a Private Pilot License, and was co-operator of Albertus airport during a 1945-46 transition period.
Bertha contributed to the research and writing of the 1970 History of Stephenson County, specifically the chapters on aviation in Stephenson County and Freeport City Government.
Survivors include a niece, Doris Erdman of Freeport; 4 nephews, Richard G. (Verda) Walter of Tucson, AZ, Gerold Evers of Freeport, Reverend James P. (Alane) Evers of Oak Ridge, TN, and Craig Bowen of Sterling; several great nieces and great-great nieces; several great nephews and great-great nephews.
She was preceded in death by her parents; four brothers; four sisters; 1 nephew; and 1 great-great nephew.
Funeral service will be Wednesday 11 a.m. at Immanuel Lutheran Church with Reverend Willis Schwitchenberg officiating. Burial will be in the Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.
Visitation will be Wednesday 10 a.m. until time of service at the church.
In lieu of flowers a memorial has been established in her name.
Please view & sign the Family Guest Book at www.walkermortuary.com