Bertha M. Villers was welcomed into the loving embrace of her late husband Marvin on Friday, March 11, 2016. Bertha unexpectedly left this world surrounded by her family at St. Vincent Hospital following a short courageous battle with cancer. We are all grateful for the time we were able to spend with Mom and that Mom was able to express her love for her family and feel our love surround her.
Bertha, 78, was born on March 1, 1938 to the late Joseph L. and Irene O. (Bouchonville) Smith in Dyckesville. We were blessed to be able to celebrate one last birthday party with her given by her great grandchildren. Bertha married Marvin L. Villers on October 10, 1956 at St. Louis Church, Dyckesville. Bertha and Marvin spent the early years of their marriage in Rosiere and Algoma, before moving to Forestville to raise their family. Marvin preceded her in death on July 26, 2002.
Bertha graduated from Luxemburg High School in 1956. Mom received a degree from NWTC in 2008 and then continued her education even further, which she was extremely proud of. In addition to raising her family, Bertha worked in the Santa Rosa Shoe Factory and Emerson Motor Company. Mom was currently employed at Adventures Child Care where she loved taking care of the babies and small children.
Mom was a wonderful mother, and a very caring and giving person. What Mom cherished most was spending time with her family. In recent years, Mom's great grandchildren were the joy of her life. Bertha was a selfless woman, always thinking of others before herself. Mom's faith was very important to her. Mom always said prayer was the best medicine as evidenced by the many novenas and rosaries she prayed. Mom would frequently visit Our Lady of Good Help Chapel in Robinsonville to pray and light a candle for anyone in need. Bertha was a member of St. Hubert Church in Rosiere.
Bertha was a social butterfly, always on the go. Mom never missed a chance to watch her children and grandchildren participate in sporting and music related events. Bertha enjoyed socializing with others, going out to eat and listening to music. Bertha enjoyed quilting with the ladies from the Holy Name of Mary church in Maplewood. Mom was a trustee with Catholic Financial Life. Mom was proud of her Belgian heritage, and was a member of the Peninsula Belgian-American Club and the Wailonie-Wisconsin Belgian Club. Mom enjoyed traveling to Europe. Mom also enjoyed tracing family genealogy. Bertha loved watching the Milwaukee Brewers, attending the Brewers games with her daughter and son-in-law, and listening to polka music. Mom loved to crochet and was known for giving crocheted doilies and pot holders as gifts. Mom also loved cardinals, which was very evident throughout her house.
Survivors include her four children, Karen Villers, Green Bay; Dennis and Paula Villers, Sturgeon Bay; Jeff and Kay Villers, Green Bay; Vicki and Dan Estel, Luxemburg; grandchildren Jamie and Kris Raisleger, Green Bay; Tracy and Joe Bauer, Kewaunee and their children Elijah and Owen; Kim and Aaron Schley, Kewaunee; Kristi Villers, Green Bay and special friend Kaleb Kerscher; Mark Villers, Sturgeon Bay and special friend Grace Spagna; Brad and Michelle Gajeski, Green Bay and their children Eliza and Autumn. Bertha is further survived by one brother, Bernie Smith, Green Bay and special friend Gerrie Ward; and two sisters in law, Karen Smith, Casco and Nancy Smith, Luxemburg. Bertha is further survived by nieces, nephews, and many friends.
Bertha was preceded in death by her husband Marvin, parents, two brothers, Robert Smith and Joseph R. Smith; granddaughter Sarah Gajeski; and in laws Louis and Mabel (Gilson) Villers.
Visitation will be held at Wiesner & Massart Funeral Home-Algoma from 4-8 pm and Monday March 14, 2016. Prayer service will be held at 6:30 Monday evening with Deacon Mark Hibbs. Visitation will continue on Tuesday morning at St. Huberts Church, Rosiere from 9:30-11 AM. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 11:00 AM with Fr. Dennis Drury and Deacon Paul Zenefski officiating. Entombment will follow at the Shrine of Good Shepherd. Online condolences may be shared at here .
