Bertha M. Wempe, 98, of Topeka, Kansas, died August 6, 2012 at McCrite Plaza Health Center in Topeka.

She was born on a farm west of Frankfort, Kansas on September 2, 1913, the daughter of August J. and Anna (Lorson) Wempe. She graduated from Frankfort High School in 1930. After getting passing a state examination for a teaching certificate, she taught at the Flag School south of Frankfort for four years. Using savings from her teacher salary, she attended nursing school at St. Mary’s Hospital in Rochester, Minnesota, graduating in 1937.

She was employed as a private duty nurse in Fargo, North Dakota and Warm Springs, Georgia. Later she worked at Monterey Hospital in California and Lincoln General in Lincoln, Nebraska.

During World War II, Bertha enlisted in the U.S. Army Nurse Corps, and served from June 1943 to February 1946 in England and France, where her duty included taking care of the men of Patton’s 7th Army.

After her discharge she worked as a registered nurse for the Colmery-O’Neil Veterans Administration Medical Center in Topeka, until her retirement in January of 1975 as the medical-surgical supervisor.

She was a member of the American Nurses Association, the Alumni Association of St. Mary’s School of Nursing, in Rochester, Minnesota, American Legion Capitol Post #1, Philip Billard Post #1650 of the VFW, St. Francis Auxiliary, St. Theresa’s Sewing Group, Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Topeka and the Women’s Fellowship at the church. She also volunteered for Meals on Wheels and Let’s Help.

Bertha was preceded in death by her parents, August and Anna Wempe; three brothers, John Wempe, W.W. Wempe, DVM and Pete Wempe; and a sister, Clara Boan.

She is survived by a sister, Helen Wadick of Harwinton, Connecticut and many nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews.

She will lie in state after 2 PM Wednesday, August 8, at Brennan-Mathena Funeral Home in Topeka. A rosary will be prayed at 5 PM Wednesday at the funeral home in Topeka. Mass of Christian Burial will be offered at 10 AM Thursday, August 9, at Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Topeka. A graveside service will be held at 1:30 PM in Sts. Peter & Paul Cemetery in Seneca. Lauer Funeral Home is handling the Seneca arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be given for Most Pure Heart of Mary Catholic Church in Topeka.