Obituary of Bertha Uittenbogaard

Bertha Lucille Uittenbogaard, daughter of Dick and Florence (Blom) Vander Top was born on March 20, 1944 in Slayton, MN. She spent her youth in the Edgerton, MN area, and received her education at Edgerton Christian School. She graduated from Southwest Christian High School in 1962. Following graduation, Bertha attended Dordt College in Sioux Center, IA where she earned her teaching degree. On June 17, 1966, Bertha was united in marriage to Donald Uittenbogaard in Edgerton, MN. To this union, three children were born: Lisa, Mark, and Leah. Bertha taught grades five and six for two years at Sanborn Christian School. The following year, she was a part-time teacher for grades seven and eight, teaching spelling, language, and reading. Hereafter, her full-time career was a homemaker "taking care of my troops". She later was involved in educational interventions for students with learning disabilities. She was a member of the Sanborn Christian Reformed Church where she was active in various church groups over the years. She especially enjoyed Coffee Break Bible Study, and volunteered for Bible League. Don and Bertha participated in several CRWRC Recovery Work teams. For 15 years, Bertha was an instructor with the Crossroads Prison Ministry. She had a passion for education, not only for her own children and grandchildren, but with any child needing a little extra help and attention. Vegetable gardening and tending to her beautiful flower gardens were a relaxing pastime for Bertha, giving her great joy. She marveled at the beauty of God's creation and all the wonders anew each and every morning. Bertha passed from this life on Saturday, November 29, 2014 at the age of 70 years. Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Don of Sanborn; her children: Lisa (Doug) Dekkenga of Spirit Lake, IA, Mark (Sheila) Uittenbogaard, and their children: Jesse, Jacob, Micah, and Freedom of Sanborn, Leah Guggenmos, and her children: Dylan, Elliot, Claire, and Meredith of Highlands Ranch, CO; her mother, Florence Vander Top of Edgerton, MN; brothers: Harv (Judi) Vander Top of Edgerton, MN, and Verlyn (Mary) Vander Top of Loveland, CO; sister, Brenda (Dave) Hamm of Leota, MN; many nieces, nephews and good friends. Preceding her in death were her father, Dick Vander Top; and her mother-in-law and father-in-law, Ed and Agnes Uittenbogaard. ~ Memorials will be given to Bible League and Mission India ~