Bertha Linhardt

Bertha Linhardt, 92, of Jefferson City, Mo., passed away on Wednesday, July 27, 2011, at Heisinger Bluffs in Jefferson City. She was born on April 29, 1919, in Saline City, Mo., the daughter of Frank and Amanda (Bracht) Kiso, both of whom preceded her in death. She graduated eighth grade from St. Paul's Lutheran School in 1934, and Aurora High School in California in 1938. She was married to Wilburn Linhardt on July 5, 1941. Wilburn preceded her in death on August 7, 1991, celebrating 50 years of marriage. She was employed at the California Pants Factory for four years and in 1942, followed her husband while he was in Army basic training during World War II. She worked in Galveston, Texas and San Francisco, Calif. until he was deployed to Hawaii. In 1955, she began working as a machine operator and later a supervisor at Oberman Manufacturing in Jefferson City. She also worked at Von Hoffman Press, in the Bindery, in Jefferson City for 25 years. Bertha was a faithful and active member of St. Paul's Lutheran Church in California. She served as a Braille worker for many years, Evening Guild member, Senior group president and St. Paul's Church Extension Fund representative. She enjoyed cooking for groups at the church for 20 years. Bertha was an accomplished seamstress and also enjoyed gardening and working with cattle on her farm in McGirk. Most recently, she was a resident of Heisinger Bluffs in Jefferson City. Survivors include one son, Billy Linhardt of Mokane, Mo.; one daughter, Sharon (Lanny) Crawford of Jefferson City; three grandchildren, Barry (Sandy) Crawford of California, Mo., Tisha (Scott) Spencer of Jefferson City, and Brooks (Kris) Crawford of McGirk, Mo.; six great-grandchildren, Luke, Jack and Nick Crawford of California, Mo., Rylee and Addyson Spencer of Jefferson City, Mo., and Aspen Crawford of McGirk, Mo. She was preceded in death by four brothers, Edward, August, Oscar and Karl Kiso; four sisters, Ardelia Winkler, Caroline Wright and two infant sisters, Ester and Talida Kiso. She was also preceded in death by a very special friend, Walter Strobel. Funeral services will be held on Monday, August 1, 2011, at 10:30 a.m. at St. Paul's Lutheran Church in California. Burial will be in St. Paul's Lutheran Cemetery. Officiating will be Rev. Dr. Peter Kurowski. Visitation will be held on Sunday, July 31, 2011, from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. at the church. Memorials are suggested to St. Paul's Lutheran Radio Ministry, 207 N. Owen St., California, MO 65018, Lutheran Senior Services at Heisinger Bluffs, 1002 W. Main, Jefferson City, MO 65109 or Hospice Compassus, 600 Monroe St., Jefferson City, MO 65101. Arrangements are under the direction of Bowlin-Cantriel Funeral Services, California, Mo.