21 Feb Bertha Rose “Bert” Schell
Posted at 18:26h
in Uncategorized
by staff
Bertha Rose “Bert” Schell died peacefully February 12, 2022, at Missouri Slope Lutheran Care Center Bismarck with family by her side. She often told her family, “My name is really Berta – they got my birth certificate wrong”.
A Memorial Service will be held at 10 a.m. on Friday, Feb. 25 at Bismarck Funeral Home 3723 Lockport Street, with Deacon Tony Ternes presiding. A Livestream of the Service will be available on the Bismarck Funeral Home Facebook page.
Bert was born July 5, 1931, in Rugby, the daughter of Denis and Barbara (Volk) Schwan and had 11 siblings. She grew up on the family farm in Cando and attended country grade school. The family later moved to Devils Lake, where Bert attended St. Mary’s Academy, graduating in 1949, after which she worked for NW Bell Telephone Company.
Bert married Richard M. “Dick” Schell on July 15, 1953. They moved to Elizabethtown KY where Richard, upon enlisting in the U.S. Army, was stationed at Fort Knox. While in Kentucky Bert worked as a proofreader for the Hardin County Enterprise Newspaper.
In 1955 they relocated to Bismarck where Richard joined the N.D. National Guard. Bert worked at City Hall as secretary for City Auditor Tom Baker, for N.D. State Outdoor Recreation Agency, and as Office Manager for the N.D. State Plumbing Board. Richard died Sept. 21, 2001.
Bert was a devout Catholic with an infinite spirit for giving. She enjoyed playing bridge and golf, volunteering at St. Alexius gift shop, meeting with Catholic Daughters and Catholic Ed groups at Cathedral of the Holy Spirit. Evenings she enjoyed a glass of wine, a bite of Ghirardelli chocolate, and the Bismarck Tribune. Bert was an active member of Catholic Daughters, American Legion Auxiliary, and the Bismarck Elkettes.
Bert was honored to be Godmother to many children, but was especially proud to be Godmother to her nephew Abbot Father Paul Mark Schwan of the Abbey of New Clairvaux, Vina, CA.
Most of all, Bert loved spending time with her Grandchildren and Family. For many years the family spent weekends at Lake Isabel where Bert graciously hosted many friends, coworkers, and the friends of her children.
Bert is survived by three daughters, Jean (John) Speelmon Gillette WY, Joy (Allan) Mastel Bismarck, and Judith Schell (Aimee Ammon) Florida, four grandchildren, Michael (Holly) Speelmon and Sarah (Kyle) Hettinger Gillette WY, Chontay (Davro) Clements Midland TX, and Samuel Mastel Idaho Falls ID, two greatgrandchildren Drake Speelmon and Kendal Hettinger. Her sister Frances Schwan Devils Lake, and brothers Maurice (Rosemary) Schwan Devils Lake, and Simon Schwan McVille ND, as well as many nieces and nephews.
Bert was preceded in death by Richard, her husband of 48 years, her parents,5 brothers and 3 sisters.
Bert was very loving and caring for her family, always encouraging her grandchildren to “do the best you can and be kind and understanding of others”.
In lieu of flowers, the family prefers memorials to Elks Camp Grassick, ND Veterans Cemetery, or charity of the donor’s choice.
Matthew 25:23 – Well Done Good and Faithful Servant
To view her memorial service, please click here.
