Obituary of Bertha E. Krietlow

Bertha Krietlow, long-time Geddes resident, passed away quietly on Monday, May 19th, at the Platte Care Center, Platte SD at the milestone age of 100 years, 2 months, and 11 days. Bertha was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Bertha Elaine Gleich was born March 8, 1925 on a farm near Ravinia, South Dakota to Rudolph & Anna (Brodsky) Gleich. She was the fourth of seven children.

Bertha grew up and attended school in Ravinia, South Dakota After graduation from Ravinia High School, she attended Southern State Normal Teachers College and obtained a teaching credential. Bertha taught in a rural school east of Geddes in Moore Township. She later worked as a teller at the Lake Andes and Geddes banks.

On June 23, 1947 Bertha was united in marriage with Winferd (Bud) Krietlow. Five children were born to this union: Robert (Bob), Glenda, Karen, Michael and Brian.

Bertha was the bookkeeper for the Farmers Coop Oil Division for 32 years. She and Bud retired from the Coop in 1990. Bud passed away September 25, 2002.

Bertha was an active member of the United Methodist Church, United Methodist Women Organization, Civic Club and American Legion Auxiliary. She held many offices in these organizations. In her many years of community involvement in Geddes, she served on the School Board and on Election Boards.

Bertha is survived by her five children: Robert Krietlow and wife, Donna, Mitchell, SD; Glenda Krietlow, Ft Myers, FL; Karen Hayes and husband, Craig, Belize, Central America; Michael Krietlow and wife, Marlys, Geddes, SD; Brian Krietlow, Estero, FL; three grandchildren: Chad Krietlow and partner, Lori Holmstrom, Edina, MN; Dan Krietlow and wife, Claris, Chantilly, VA; Cassie Krietlow and fiancée, Dominick Ferrante, Cape Coral, FL; three great grandchildren, Katelyn, Nathan, and Matilda, Edina, MN; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Bud; grandson, Christopher; her parents; three sisters, Mary Cerney, Luverne Meis, and Shirley Gleich; and three brothers, Rudy, John, and Harvey Gleich.

Bertha will be greatly missed by her family and many friends. We were very blessed to have been able to celebrate her 100th birthday with her in March.

Funeral services for Bertha will be held on Tuesday, May 27, 2025 at 10:30 am, with visitation beginning at 9:30 am, at Geddes Community Methodist Church in Geddes, SD. Interment will be at the Pleasant Lawn Cemetery, Geddes, with Koehn Brothers Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.