Bertha Durst

December 12, 1940 – May 23, 2010
Bertha Durst, 92, of Wellman, Iowa, passed away Sunday, May 23, 2010, at the United Presbyterian Home in Washington, Iowa. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Thursday, May 27, 2010, at the Powell Funeral Home in Wellman with Rev. Rich Pippert officiating. Burial will be in the Wellman Cemetery. Visitation is from 4-8 p.m. Wednesday, May 26 at the Powell Funeral Home in Wellman where the family will greet friends from 6-8 p.m. A memorial fund has been established for Asbury United Methodist Church, Hospice of Washington County, and Wellman Senior Center. Messages may be sent to the family at www.powellfuneralhomes.com.
Bertha Lewis was born December 12, 1917, in Wapello, Iowa, the daughter of Harry and Abby (Genzler) Lewis. September 27, 1940, she was united in marriage to John Durst Sr. in Kahoka, Missouri. The couple made their home in rural Wellman. Mrs. Durst worked as a cook at Keota Community School for 21 years, and then cooked at the Wellman Senior Center for 10 years. She was a member of the Asbury United Methodist Church, Rebekah’s, Eastern Star, HNS Club, 76 Community Club, and DAR in Keota.
Mrs. Durst is survived by four sons, John and wife Sydna Durst, Wellman; Mike Durst, Keota, Iowa; Richard and wife Bonnie Durst, Wellman; Duane Durst, Fairfield, Iowa; two daughters, Nancy Fisher, North English, Iowa; Johnette Criss, Coralville, Iowa; 20 grandchildren; 42 great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild; and a sister, Mabel Law Muscatine, Iowa.
She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, John Durst Sr.; a daughter-in-lawm Carol Durst; three brothers; and two sisters.