Craig Maas

Bertha Letcher Funeral

Posted on the October 31st, 2007 under Family,Friends,Personal by CraigMaas

I was up early, but it didn’t matter, it wasn’t early enough. I knew dad wanted to stop at the bank in Jamestown, but I didn’t know we had to be there so early. I must be fast- I got showered, shaved, feed, and dressed in record time. I put my tie in my pocket as I didn’t want to strangle myself on the way to Jamestown. Dad and I had a nice little conversation about Wind Turbines and energy. I told him what I learned from my class and book on the history of Fargo-Moorhead.

The bank was downtown. I played my iPod and looked at the buildings across the street dating to 1890. I image what it must have looked like 120 years ago. Dad was finally closing out Grandma Anna’s safety deposit box. It took many trips and a lawyer to accomplish what should have been a simple transaction. In addition to the title on her Jamestown apartment there were some old coins.

Dad and I arrived at St John’s Methodist church at the same time my cousin’s did. I looked at Grandma Bertha in her coffin- she looked good. Haut Funeral did a good job. I signed the guest book and chatted with Shane Orr. I went to the bathroom to strangle myself. When I came out Shane and I discussed shirts and ties. He was wearing a Stafford shirt with a stretching button – I need to get one of those. Paul, Suzanne, Sean, Tim and Clare arrived. The boys were happy to be out of school but they weren’t happy about missing the school Halloween party.

The funeral was well attended. Mom and Karon were holding up pretty well considering how sad the day must me. I found the day very bittersweet. I got to see a lot of people I haven’t seen in a while like: Mark Tees, Velda, Hank, Michelle, and even Shane. Even Emma, Lydia, Neal, Orlee, Duane, Donna, Jim and Carol- whom I saw in September- I don’t see all that often. I was happy to see my aunts arrive: Gladys and Judy.

Hank herded us to the corner for Pallbearer instructions. The family went into the chapel for private prayer. Sean and Tim (honorary), Paul, Nathan, Cody, Shane, Hank and myself were seated in the front row. Bertha was wheeled in. The minister presided over a very nice ceremony. There were some hymns. Nathan and I sang out of tune. The minister stopped and asked for remembrances. There were some from the nursing home and her pastor. Duane, David, dad, Shane, Nathan, and Suzanne illustrated the love and kindness that was grandma Bertha. Nathan was concerned his remembrances were not appropriate but they were spot on. I couldn’t think of anything on the spot. I knew I would have the opportunity to share my thoughts in this blog. click here for my tribute to grandma Bertha.

After the funeral Sean and Tim held the door while we lifted the grandma into the hearse. I got the keys from dad, but before I could load up the team, they had piled into Shane’s pick up truck. Paul rode with his family. I waved Nathan over and he rode with me behind the hearse. Nathan had more information about Bertha’s death on Saturday. “Mom called and told us to get over. I got dad outside, but by the time we got to the nursing home she had died.” So it sounds like grandma went pretty quickly. She was much much lighter than grandpa was but it was just as difficult not to step on each other’s heels. The wind was cold but the day was clear and sunny. Haut put up a little viewing tent. I was still cold as the wind reached in. After final words by the minister. Karon and Char gathered up the flowers. It was warmer in the sun, out of the wind on the south side of the tent. I chatted with Duane and others who attended the graveside service. I paused over family markers nearby. Nathan and I drove back to the church.

At the reception I set up my computer. I had culled almost 250 photos of grandma Bertha over the years. I let them all run as a slide show. Gladys was happy the church was serving hot dish. I talked with everyone at the table: Gladys, Donna, Judy, Carol, Jim and Duane. Sean and Tim came over a lot- checking on my plans. They want me to take them out tonight. I asked Duane about his ‘Little Country Theatre” reunion in Minneapolis. He had a good time and the organizer like the clipping I had. Duane told me more stories about his thespian days and yet another Miss North Dakota that he knew.

The tables started breaking up. Velda came over. She was very friendly. I hadn’t seen her in years. I talked with Orlee about the farm and her activities- I’m not that active now! I talked with Hank about his Karaoke business. Michelle and Crystal were ready to go. I hadn’t seen Crystal since 1992? She was just a kid then. Dad was ready to go then, but we stopped to have a couple final words with Lydia and Emma (grandma’s sisters). Duane talked us all the way to the door.