Bertha Alvina Meier was born on January 7, 1912 in Harvey, North Dakota, the daughter of John and Mary (Heinrichson) Meier. She was baptized April 4, 1912 and confirmed June 21, 1935 in the Christian faith and attended rural school near Harvey.

Bertha was united in marriage to Helmuth Schlenker on November 22, 1931 in Harvey. The couple farmed near Goodrich, ND until 1957, when they moved into Goodrich, where she worked at the school. In 1967 they moved to Thief River Falls. Bertha worked at the Rex Caf for many years.

She enjoyed playing Yahtzee, cards, sewing, making place mats out of cards, crafts and baking. Bertha loved spending time with her family, especially her grandchildren.

She was a member of the Hospital Auxiliary, managed the Hospital Coffee Shop, was a member of the Heritage Choir, Zion Lutheran Church and Leisure Fellowship.

Bertha is survived by one son, Harold (LaVon) Schlenker of Eau Claire, WI; three daughters: Darlene (P.J.) Rund of Ada, MN, Mariann (Thornton) Stark of Bismarck, ND and Loretta (Gary) Fernyhough of Livonia, MI; 12 grandchildren; 19 great grandchildren;
and one brother, Ernest Meier of Sacramento, CA.

She was preceded in death by her husband; her parents; twin sons, Connie and Kenny; grandson, Stuart; brothers: Lawrence, Rueben, Otto and Albert; and one sister, Clara.

.