MONROE CENTER — Bertha Chesnut, 99, passed away peacefully February 3, 2025, at her home with family members by her side. Bertha was born on the family dairy farm in Brodhead, WI, on May 21, 1925, as the second daughter of Carl and Margaret Friedly. The immediate family eventually consisted of 5 sisters and 4 brothers. Bertha and her siblings walked one mile to the one room Shanghai School until the 8th grade. At 14 Bertha lived with a family in Brodhead as a housekeeper/nanny. In 1945 she moved to Rockford IL with her sister, Margaret, to work in a factory. In 1947 she met the love of her life, Carl Chesnut, and married several months later. Carl and Bertha rented various farms raising cattle and pigs for many years. Bertha worked on a punch press in the daytime and helped out on the farm after work and weekends. They had a huge garden which produced many jars of canned goods. They enjoyed playing cards with neighbors and square dancing with the local 4H club. Bertha was famous for her delicious and beautiful pies.
Bertha is survived by: Denise Falk, daughter. Grandchildren: Carolyn (Larry) Pairitz; Heidi Falk; Jo (Ben) Bittinger; Keith (Katie) Chesnut; Molly Chesnut Sides; Matthew Chesnut. Great Grandchilden: Colton (Molly) Gann; Mackenzie (Lucas) Rollinger; Caleb (Leia) Friemuth; Ellie Pairitz; Hayden and Garrett Bittinger; Cole and Knox Chesnut; Raine and Ila Sides; Christina and Nicolas Chesnut. Great Great Grandchildren Ryan and Hallie Gann; Cameron Rollinger. She is also survived by her brothers: Fritz Friedly and Ralph Friedly; Sisters: Helen Brooks and Beverly Klopfenstein. Preceded in death by: Husband Carl Chesnut; Son Terry Chesnut; Mother Margaret (Schneider) Friedly and Father Carl Walter Friedly; Brothers: Walter Friedly and Robert Friedly; Sisters Margaret LeBeau, Janet Zettle and exactly one month ago, Lucille Brooks.
Funeral services will be held on Monday, February 10, 2025 at Unger-Horner Funeral Home in Rochelle, IL. Visitation at 9:00 a.m., with funeral service at 11:00 a.m. Interment of cremated remains to follow in the Monroe Center Cemetery, with luncheon nearby at Monroe Center Fire Department.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Bertha’s name to Serenity Hospice & Home in Oregon, IL. We greatly appreciate the love and care they gave to Bertha, with special thanks to Dawn, Sheila and all of the dedicated staff. We would also like to thank the team at Assisting Hands Home Care.
