Bertha M. Wempe

Bertha M. Wempe, 98, of Topeka, died August 6, 2012 at McCrite Plaza Health Center. She was born on a farm west of Frankfort, Kansas on September 2, 1913 the daughter of August J. and Anna (Lorson) Wempe. She graduated from Frankfort High School in 1930. Bertha took a state examination for a teaching certificate and taught four years at the Flag School south of Frankfort. She saved her money and went to nursing school at St. Mary?s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota graduating in 1937. She did private duty nursing in Fargo, N.D., and Warm Springs, GA. Later she worked at Monterrey Hospital in California and Lincoln General in Lincoln, NE. Bertha enlisted in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, during World War II from June 1943 to February 1946. She served in England and France taking care of the men of Patton?s 7th Army. After her discharge she worked as a registered nurse for the Colmery-O?Neil VA Medical Center until her retirement in January of 1975 as the medical-surgical supervisor. She was a member of the American Nurses? Association, Alumni Association of St. Mary?s School of Nursing, in Rochester, Minnesota, American Legion Capitol Post #1, Philip Billard Post #1650 of the V.F.W., St. Francis Auxiliary, St. Theresa?s Sewing Group, Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church and the Women?s Fellowship at the church. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels and Let?s Help. Bertha was preceded in death by her parents, three brothers, John Wempe, W.W. Wempe, DVM, Pete Wempe, and a sister, Clara Boan. She is survived by a sister Helen Wadick of Harwinton, Connecticut and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. She will lie in state at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home on Wednesday after 2:00 p.m. where a Parish Rosary will be prayed at 5:00 p.m. Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated on Thursday at 10:00 a.m. at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church. Graveside service will be held on Thursday at 1:30 p.m. at Saints Peter and Paul Cemetery in Seneca, Kansas. Memorial contributions may be made to Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church and sent in care of Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home, 800 SW 6th Ave., Topeka, Kansas 66603. Online condolences and fond memories may be left at www.brennanmathenafh.com.