Bertha Sylvia Jatzo

Beloved mother and grandmother, Bertha Sylvia Jatzo of Iron River, went to eternal rest on May 5, 2011 at Northern Lights Health Care Center in Washburn, WI.

She was born on July 10, 1921 in Oulu, the daughter of Leonard and Mary Wentela.

She attended Lincoln and Washington Grade Schools in Oulu, graduating from Waino High School in 1939.

Bertha later attended Brady and Rogers Cosmetology School in Minneapolis and became a trained beautician.

She also worked as a clerk for the Iron River Co-op Store at the Oulu Branch where she met her future husband, George Jatzo.

On December 25, 1942, Bertha and George were married at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Iron River.

They celebrated 40 years of marriage before he passed away on June 12, 1982.

She was a member of St. Michael’s Church in Iron River since 1942.

Bertha was a homemaker and avid gardener.

She loved playing games, especially bingo, traveling, visiting friends, and family gatherings.

She was active in the Iron River PTA, cooking for the senior meals program, church activities and her grandchildren’s activities.

She was the proud mother of three Sons: John (Rosanne) of Iron River; James (Valerie) of Bridgeview, IL; and George Jr. (Linda) of Iron River.

She is also survived by five grandchildren: Pam (Earl) Schultz of Lockport, IL; Gregory (Vicky) Jatzo of Iron River; Andrew (Kriss) Jatzo of Iron River; BreeAnna (Scott) Jatzo-Huber of Minneapolis; and Brittney Jatzo (friend, Brian Clow) of Cleveland, Ohio; as well as 9 great-grandchildren: Alex Jatzo, Elizabeth Jatzo, Nick Jatzo, Aaron Jatzo, Isabella Jatzo, Krysta Jatzo, Jacob Jatzo, Gavin Matke and Quinn Jatzo.

Besides her husband and parents, Bertha was preceded in death by six sisters: Amanda Palmer, Sophie Ramsay, Elsie Suni, Ida Christianson, Jennie Reutiman, and Emily Suo; three brothers, Edward, William and Franz Robert Wentela; and one grandson, Michael Jatzo.

Visitation will begin after 10:00 AM, Wednesday, May 11, 2011 at St. Michael’s Catholic Church in Iron River, WI and continue until the 11: 00 AM, Mass of Christian Burial with Rev. Father Michael Crisp as celebrant.

Burial will be in St. Michael’s Cemetery, Iron River, WI, immediately following the funeral mass.

Pallbearers will be her grandchildren: Pam, Greg, Andy, BreeAnna and Brittney.

The Lenroot-Maetzold Funeral Home, 1209 East 5th Street, Superior, is assisting the family with arrangements.

To leave an online condolence or to sign the guestbook, please visit our website at www.lenroot-maetzold.com.