Julitta H. Bertram
Julitta H. Bertram peacefully entered God’s loving arms on Monday, Feb. 19, 2024.
She was born Nov. 23, 1923, in Mount Calvary, a daughter of Edward and Elizabeth (Schaefer) Sabel. She grew up in rural St. Joe/Mount Calvary and farmed near St. Peter with her husband, Henry, until they retired in 1982. The couple moved to the village of St. Peter, where she lived until she was 93. She then enjoyed her years at Villa Loretto from November 2016 until August 2023, when she relocated to St. Francis Home.
Julitta recently achieved a significant milestone, celebrating her 100th birthday on Nov. 23, 2023, with family and friends.
She attended Goodrich High School and graduated in 1941. She worked for her room and board for school through a connection with a teacher and always mentioned geometry was her favorite subject.
Julitta met her husband at a dance hall in Marytown. They were married on Oct. 26, 1943, raised six children and spent 48 years together before he proceeded her in death on Dec. 7, 1991.
Julitta was a dedicated homemaker, farmwife, seamstress and excellent cook. Family and friends were always eager to enjoy all the dishes and desserts she lovingly prepared. A good game of sheepshead was the greatest source of enjoyment for her. Of course, she loved winning, but mostly she enjoyed the togetherness and laughter while playing the game. Also a source of great joy were cats, and gardening of all kinds—especially flowers.
Most importantly, Julitta loved her family with her whole heart and soul. She was proud of each one of her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and great-great-grandchild. Many memories were made for everyone at countless family gatherings and celebrations throughout her lifetime. As much as she loved, she was loved. Her family visited daily and kept watch over her and her care. While her hearing loss progressed, and she eventually became deaf, she continued to persevere. She took COVID’s challenges head on with the help of daily window visits. She adapted to various forms of written communication alongside continuing to play sheepshead while she was inside, visitors outside, and cards taped to the window. While at the Villa, she lured kitties through those same windows, and they became especially important in her ability to cope—more than anyone could imagine. She had the special ability to remember and recognize people and she always greeted everyone with a smile. Lives were made happier because Julitta was a part of them.
Julitta is survived by her children, Sandy Binotto (Jerry), Connie Pickart (Herb), Al Bertram (Rose), Steven Bertram (Jackie), Mark Bertram (Judy), and Lynn Wehner
(John). She also is survived by 17 grandchildren, Gina (Aaron) Everson, Karla Binotto, Lisa (Mike) Reichert, Ann Marie (Gary) Lau, Danny (Danie) Pickart, David Pickart, Emily Sanders, Stephanie (Jordan) Marchant, Laura (Craig) Tarini, Nick Bertram, Caley (Dan) Makouske, Anita (Ben) Hawke, Matthew Bertram, Kate (Mike) Wade, Jacob (Katie Hamerlinck) Bertram, Kaitlyn Wehner (fiancé Steven Schlosser), and Nathan Wehner. Additionally, she is survived by 25 great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; and a sister-in-law, Lyla Bertram.
She was preceded in death by her husband Henry, her parents, brother Leander (Germaine) Sabel, sister Bernetta (Clarence) Schmitz, and sister Elfrieda (Clarence) Schmitz. Wilbert “Heinie” Halbach was a devoted companion after Henry passed, up to his passing in 2009.
Julitta lived her 100 years as a faithful servant to God and her family. As she prepared for her departure from this earth, her greatest wish and encouragement for her family is to continue to spend time together and to value and love one another.
The family would like to extend their sincerest thank you to all who cared for Julitta, especially Dr. Michael Sergi, all the loving caregivers at Villa Loretto, SSM Hospice Care Team and the staff at St. Francis Home. Julitta was able to remain in her St. Peter home not only with her family’s care, but also with help for a number of years from Sara Roltgen and Madeline Guelig.
Services: Julitta’s family welcomes relatives and friends for a visitation on Wednesday, Feb. 28 at St. Peter Catholic Church, Malone, from 9:00 to 11:15 a.m. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated with Julitta’s nephew, Fr. Mike Bertram OFM Cap., at 11:30 a.m. Julitta will be laid to rest in Ledgeview Shrine of Rest Mausoleum.
Memorials may be directed to Cristo Rey Ranch at N8114 County Rd. WW, Mount Calvary, WI 53057; or to a charity of choice.
And in using the words she always left us with when we departed, “Come home safe.”