Bertha E. Potter, age 88 of Maplewood, MN died on December 17, 2012 at the Good Samaritan Society of Maplewood, MN.
Bertha Elsinora Potter was born on February 7, 1924 in Deer Park, WI, the daughter of Herman and Ruth (Torkelson) Gruessi. She grew up in the Deer Park area and graduated from Spring Valley High School in 1942. After graduating, Bertha worked for several years as a nanny and house keeper in Menomonie, WI. In 1952, she moved to St. Paul, MN and began working with the United Food & Commercial Workers International Union and the Amalgamated Meat Cutters of North America. Bertha worked for many years wrapping meat for National T. later known as Rainbow Foods. In July of 1956, she was married to Farrell Potter and together they raised two children, Farrell, Jr., & Jeannine. Bertha was very active at Redeemer Lutheran Church on Dale St. in St. Paul, MN singing in the church choir and serving with the women's guild. After her husband's death in 1999, Bertha moved to Hamline High Rise in St. Paul, where she enjoyed socializing with her neighbors and playing bingo. She has been a resident of Good Samaritan in Maplewood since 2009.
Bertha is preceded in death by her husband, Farrell Potter, Sr.; and her parents, Herman & Ruth Gruessi. She is survived by her son and daughter, Farrell (Karen) Potter of Moundsview, MN and Jeannine Potter of Champlin, MN; grandchildren, Kellee Potter, Korey Potter and Jacob Potter.
Memorial services at Redeemer Lutheran Church, 285 Dale Street, St. Paul, MN at 11 a.m. with Rev. James Erlandson officiating. Music by Kay Sandeen. Internment on June 1, 2013 at Calvary Cemetery in Deer Park, WI, near her parents. Scheuermann-Hammer Funeral Home of Clear Lake, WI, in charge of arrangements.
