Viola Bertsch

Viola was born to Eva and Henry Wolf on July 17, 1934 in Kintyre, North Dakota. She became part of a family of 10 girls and 4 boys. They soon moved to a ranch in Robinson, North Dakota where she attended Robinson Public School.

Her whole family loved music, and she was a self-taught piano and accordion player. As a teenager several of the “Wolf bunch” as they were called, could be found on the dance floor of the local small town. There she met her future husband, Earl Bertsch. They were married at Petersville County Church September 3, 1950. They acquired a cattle and grain farm in Heaton, North Dakota and there they worked and resided until 1970 when they sold the farm and moved to Ellendale, North Dakota. They lived there until 1977 when they moved to Lake Wales, Florida.

There they both worked in the Citrus industry. Church was always a big part of their lives and Viola spent many hours through the years teaching Sunday school and vacation bible school. She was part of the LWML for many years. They both cherished their years at Lake Wales Lutheran Church until Earls passing in 2000, just 2 weeks shy of their 50-year Anniversary. Viola then moved to Lakeland to be closer to her family. She became part of Christ Lutheran Church in Lakeland and enjoyed folding bulletins and worship. She was always known as an excellent baker and always had plenty of freshly baked goods ready for consumption. Her first great grandson “Jacob” nicknamed her Num-Num at an early age, and she has had that name since, not just for the great grandkids but also the Sandpiper neighborhood.

Viola was also known for always wearing a smile, and always willing to help anyone in need and usually had a cute story to tell. Viola went to be with Jesus on January 2, 2025, from complications of hip surgery, she was loved very much and will be missed by many. She is survived by her sister Lenora Woehl of Bismark, North Dakota; her son Lonnie Bertsch (Diane) of Lakeland, FL; 3 grandsons, Jason Bertsch (Janette) of Lakeland, FL, Justin Bertsch (Amanda) of Fleming Island, FL, Jarrod Bertsch (Jennifer) of Mesa, Arizona; 8 great grandchildren, Jacob (Cassie), Zachary, Karleigh, Brooke, Oakley, Jaxon, Halle, Bentley; and one great-great granddaughter, Malia; and a great-great granddaughter coming in March who will carry on her name, Lilah Viola.

A visitation for Viola will be held Friday, January 17, 2025 from 1:00 PM to 2:00 PM at Ott-Laughlin Funeral Home, 2198 K-Ville Ave, Auburndale, Florida 33823. A funeral service will occur Friday, January 17, 2025 at 2:00 PM, 2198 K-Ville Ave, Auburndale, Florida 33823. A graveside service will occur Friday, January 17, 2025 at Glen Abbey Memorial Gardens, 2200 K-Ville Ave, Auburndale, Florida 33823.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Viola's memory may be to a charity of your choice.