Bertha Mary Pingel age 92 of Steele City, Nebraska passed away on November 6th, 2023. She was born August 15th, 1931 at Reynolds Nebraska, the daughter of Edward Eugene and Clara Bertha (Huss) Cerveny.

She was married to Don Pingel on August 14th, 1955. They moved to a farm near Steele City. In their early years, one of their favorite activities with friends was going to square dances. They were members of the Presbyterian Church in Steele city where she taught Sunday School classes. She also had a lovely singing voice and they often sang duets for church services, weddings, and funerals.   

On the farm, Bertha was active in all aspects of the business which included raising cattle, chickens, and a variety of other animals. The most time consuming task was the countless hours milking cows.

While farming was the staple for the family, Bertha worked numerous jobs before and after being married. Some of those jobs included:

  • Grade school teacher at a one room school house
  • Switchboard operator for the telephone company
  • Swingsters
  • Elementary School Para
  • Secretary for an insurance company
  • CNA at nursing homes

Her greatest testament in life was her faith in God, Jesus, and the Holy Spirit which she demonstrated as a caring mother, grandmother, sister, and friend.

Survivors include her sons Gary Pingel, Terry Pingel, and Jeff Pingel, 12 grandchildren, 16 great grandchildren, and brother Edward (Gene) Cerveny.

Bertha was preceded in death by her husband Don Pingel, parents, brothers Edmund, Don, Joe and infant sister Karen.

Funeral services will be held on Saturday, November 11th, 2023 at 11:00 a.m. at the Gerdes-Meyer Funeral Home in Fairbury with Pastor Dave Conde officiating. In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Bertha can be made to the First Presbyterian Church of Fairbury, Nebraska.  www.gerdesmeyerfh.com