Bertha Laurentius

Bertha J. Laurentius, 84, of Biehle, Mo., died Saturday, Feb. 18, 2006, at Fountainbleau Lodge in Cape Girardeau.

She was born on Feb. 1, 1922, in Biehle, daughter of William and Emma Biehle Schemel. She and John A. Laurentius were married Feb. 3, 1940. He died Sept. 16, 1982.

Laurentius was a member of the St. Marus Catholic Church Ladies Sodality, church choir and participated in all church activities.

Survivors include four sons, Robert Laurentius of St. Louis, Richard Laurentius of Rock Springs, Wyo., Gerold Laurentius and Bill Laurentius, both of Biehle; seven daughters, Judy Magels of Jackson, Jane Laurentius of St. Louis, Karen Baer of Biehle, JoAnn Lang, Debra Young and Vicki Newsom, all of St. Louis; 21 grandchildren; and 29 great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, a daughter, a grandson, two brothers and a sister.

Friends may call from 4 to 9 p.m. Tuesday or from 6:30 to 9:15 a.m. Wednesday at Young and Sons Funeral Chapel in Perryville, Mo. Catholic Wake will be at 7 p.m. Tuesday.

Mass will be at 10 a.m. on Wednesday at St. Maurus Catholic Church in Biehle with the Rev. Tony Dattilo officiating. Burial will be at St. Maurus Church Cemetery.