Serving Gogebic, Iron and Ontonagon Counties

Bertha Helen Huhtala

WAKEFIELD, Mich. - Bertha Helen Huhtala, 94, a long-time resident of Bruce Crossing, passed away Thursday, March 1, 2018, at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility in Wakefield.

Bertha was born on March 17, 1923, in Topaz, the daughter of William Jacob and Alina (Latvala) Maki. She graduated from Bergland High School and attended two years of college.

On July 25, 1947, Bertha was united in marriage to Oscar Alfred Huhtala in Bruce Crossing. She and Oscar opened their home for many gatherings for family: weddings, funerals, barbeques, saunas and those who came to visit from far away had a place to stay. They did this with kindness, generosity and joy. Bertha was always calm, cool and collected. Some referred to her as an angel. Oscar always said the nicest thing about him was Bertha.

She was a member of First Lutheran Church in Ewen, a member of Martha's Circle and an active member of First Lutheran Quilters for many years.

Bertha participated in bowling and golfing leagues. Her hobbies included baking, hunting and fishing. She belonged to the Crossroads and Cloverland Senior Centers.

She and her husband built houses and the only community swimming pool enjoyed by family and friends. Bertha was very instrumental in organizing the Topaz history for the community.

She worked at the State Bank of Ewen for two years. Bertha was the county executive director for the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service in Ewen for more than 32 years.

Bertha is survived by two sisters-in-law, Mary Helen Maki and Elvi Niemi; her brother-in-law, Tom Nordine; and numerous nieces and nephews and their families.

She was predeceased by her husband, Oscar, on Feb. 5, 2011; and two brothers, Wilbert and Roy Maki.

A celebration of Bertha's life will be held Saturday, June 16, at 11 a.m. EDT, preceded by visitation at 10 a.m. EDT, at First Lutheran Church, with the Rev. Kay Richter officiating.

A luncheon will be served at the church fellowship hall following the service.

A committal service and interment will take place at Hillside Cemetery, Bruce Crossing, following the luncheon.

Memorial contributions may be made to First Lutheran Church, Box 286, Ewen, MI 49925 or to SONCO, Box 191, Bruce Crossing, MI 49912.

The family would like to express their gratitude to the caring staff at the Gogebic Medical Care Facility for their compassionate, professional care given to Bertha, and many kindnesses extended to the family.

Funeral arrangements have been entrusted to Jerald Rocco, owner and manager of Lakeside Memorial Chapel Inc., in Wakefield. Condolences may be expressed online at lakesidememorialchapel.com.