Obituaries : Bertha M. (Motto) Pohlmann

Bertha M. (Motto) Pohlmann, age 90, went to her heavenly home on Sunday, May 4th, 2025.

Funeral Services will be held at 11 AM, Saturday, May 10, 2025 at Trinity Lutheran Church in Vinton with Rev. Stephen K. Preus officiating. A reception will follow at the church. Interment will be at Mt. Auburn Cemetery, with full military honors, at 1:15 PM. Visitation will be from 4 - 6 PM on Friday, May 9, 2025 at the Phillips Funeral Home Chapel, (212 East Sixth Street) in Vinton. A Memorial fund has been established.

Bertha was born on August 31, 1934, in Earling, WV, to Mike and Hazel Motto, the oldest of 4 siblings. She graduated from Dunbalk High School in Baltimore, MD. Bertha served her Country in the United States Air Force from 1952 through 1954 during the Korean War. It was during her service where she met the love of her life John Jacob Pohlmann who was serving in the United States Marine Corps. They were joined in Holy Matrimony on November 8th, 1953, in Long Beach, CA. Following their discharges, they returned to Vinton to work and raise their family. John and Bertha were married for 64 years before his death in 2018.

Bertha was a secretary for Chuck Yundt at Dubuque Packing for many years. She also worked as an Avon Lady for over 30 years, and for a time at the Lutheran Home. She was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church and the Mission Circle. She enjoyed gardening, bowling, playing cards and travel. She faithfully cared for John during his illness with Parkinson's Disease. Bert was also an avid "bargain hunter" and loved to go to garage sales or thrift stores. By far, her greatest joy in life was the time she was able to spend with her family and friends. Bertha's home, kitchen, and heart were always open to anyone to who stopped by. She will be greatly missed by all that knew her.

She is survived by her sons, Edward, Steven (Sandy), and Mark Pohlmann. Grandchildren: Amy, Mary, Tonia, David, Jennifer, Steven, Melissa, Marte, and Morgan. Many great-grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren; her brother-in-law, Duane (Elaine) Pohlmann; and many nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband John, her parents, son Mike, infant daughter Vicki Lynn and siblings Andy, and John Motto, and Irene Karr.

The family would like to thank Cedar Valley Hospice and the many friends and community members who supported her.

Online Condolences: www.phillipsfuneralhomes.com