Bertha Zilke

Bertha Eleanor Zilke, 94, of Bridgman passed away on Thursday, August 26, 2010 at her home.

Services will be held at 10 AM Monday, August 30 at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Bridgman. Friends may meet with the family on Sunday from 2-4 PM at Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel, 9191 Red Arrow Highway, Bridgman. Burial will be in Graceland Cemetery. As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be given to Immanuel Lutheran Church or Hospice at Home.

Bertha was born January 11, 1916 in Galien, Michigan, the daughter of the late John and Ernestine Burke. On October 27, 1935 she married Elmer Zilke who proceded her in death on September 17, 2000. Bertha and Elmer began their married life together on a small farm in Baroda She liked to raise flowers in her garden and loved to quilt and take care of her great grandchildren She retired in 1981 from Pemco Die Cast after 28 years. Bertha was a member of Immanuel Lutheran Church all her married life.

She is survived by her daughter Janet (Ronald) Essig of Lake, Michigan; grandchldren – Ronda Turner of Bridgman, MI Sammy Becht of Lansing, MI, Jamie Leach of Pickford, MI, Andie (Ralph) Aiello of Sault St. Marie, Canada, -great grandchildren Michael and Chelsea Turner; Jarrod, Aaron, Emilie and Danielle Becht; Amber Kennedy, Anthony San Angelo, and Emma Aiello; sisters Helen Zilke and Augusta (Don) Stotler; sisters-in-law Loretta Skelley, Myrtle Benke, and Clara Schmidt. Bertha was preceded in death by her son Ronald Zilke, her sister Lydia Strefling; brothers Elmer Benke and August, William, Edward, Henry, and Robert Burke.

Visitation

2 - 4 PM ,Sunday, August 29, 2010
Pike Funeral Home, Boyd Chapel
9191 Red Arrow Hwy Bridgman, MI 49106

Funeral Service

10 AM ,Monday, August 30, 2010
Immanuel Lutheran Church
9560 Church Street Bridgman, MI 49106

Commital Service

Monday, August 30, 2010
Graceland Cemetery
8550 Red Arrow Hwy Bridgman, MI 49106