Obituary

Newton Kansan, Saturday, October 9, 2010

Bertha Mattie Egger Tangeman passed away peacefully on Thursday (Oct. 7, 2010) at Kidron Bethel in North Newton at the age of 107.

She was born on Oct. 16, 1902, on a farm near Ellis, to Fred and Rella (Schoenthaler) Egger. Her family included two older brothers, John and Ernest.

After graduating from Ellis High School in 1920, she taught in a one-room school for two years before attending Kansas State Agriculture College in Manhattan.

She graduated with a degree in home economics in 1926, and then taught at Burdick High School for two years.

At college, Bertha met Clarence J. Tangeman, and they married on May 22, 1928.

They established their home on North Main and operated a dairy farm for 35 years before their retirement. Clarence died on May 8, 1984, and Bertha continued to live in her home for a total of 82 years.

She was a member of Atlier Club, several Bridge clubs, 50-53 E.H.U. Club, Helen Circle and First Presbyterian Church.

Bertha enjoyed crocheting, reading, word puzzles, Bridge, Scrabble, travel, and visits with family and friends. She was blessed with good health, led a full and active life, and experienced many new and exciting changes throughout the 20th century.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband; two brothers and their wives, John and Wilma Egger, Ernest and Ida Egger; son-in-law George Wickersham; and grandson David Scott Tangeman.

Survivors include two sons, James H. Tangeman and wife Sandy of Wichita, Steven A. Tangeman and wife Susie of Souix Falls, S.D.; two daughters Marguerite "Peg" Wickersham of Newton, Winifred Frey and husband Merle of Greenville, Texas. Also surviving are six grandchildren, James D. Wickersham and wife Esly of Charleston, S.C., Elizabeth (Wickersham) Grisham and husband Rodger of Columbus, Neb., Debra (Frey) Richichi and husband Jim of Fort Worth, Texas, Beth (Frey) Marwin and husband Richard of Wylie, Texas, Stacy and Shelly Tangeman of Thornton, Colo.; eight great-grandchildren, Kevin and Rachel Grisham, Katherine Wickersham, Tracy Carter and husband Darrin, Kimberly (Marwin) Clouthier and husband Rob, Dustin Younger, Jason Younger and wife Kristi, Andrea (Marwin) Dacey; five great-great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.