Bertha Mattie (Egger) Tangeman

Bertha Tangeman of Newton celebrated her 105th birthday with a dinner at 1 p.m. on Oct. 13 in the fellowship hall of First Presbyterian Church. She was born 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 Agricultural College in Manhattan. She obtained a degree in home economics in 1926 and then taught at Burdick High School for two years. On May 22, 1928, she married Clarence J. Tangeman, and they established their home on North Main and operated a dairy farm for 35 years before their retirement. Clarence died in 1984, and she continues to reside in her home of 79 years. Bertha enjoys reading, word puzzles, bridge, Scrabble, and visits from friends and family. The birthday celebration was hosted by Bertha's four children and their spouses: Peg Wickersham of Newton, Sandy and Jim Tangeman of Wichita, Winifred and Merle Frey of Perryton, Texas, and Susie and Steve Tangeman of Sioux Falls, S.D. Master of ceremonies Jim Tangeman greeted guests and offered a prayer prior to the meal. Later, introductions, comments and reminiscences from family members were shared. Bev Olson, vocalist, presented a parody of "It's a Grand Old Flag," honoring Bertha. Gene Brinkmeyer was the accompanist. Olson also provided selections on her Irish harp. Grandchildren and great-grandchildren attending were: Esly and Jim Wickersham and Katherine, Tegucigalpa, Honduras; Elizabeth (Wickersham) and Rodger Grisham, Kevin and Rachel, Columbus, Neb.; Debbie (Frey) and Jim Richichi, Fort Worth, Texas; Tracy and Darrin Carter, Natalie and Mattie, Burleson, Texas; Kimberly Cloutier and Keeton, Nevada, Texas; Dustin Younger, Andrea and Clayton Dacey, Wylie, Texas; Jason Younger and Jackson, Stephenville, Texas; and Stacy and Shelly Tangeman, Thornton, Colo. Other relatives present were: Rose and Doug Egger, Renee and David Rupp, Dallas of Hays; Raimy Hester and Megan Hester, Hutchinson; Arlene and Earl Berner, Surprise, Ariz.; Alberta King, Rae King and Kyle, Hesston; Ruth Grabill, Susan Earick, Craig King, Wichita; Bev and Chuck Olson, Salina; Gene Brinkmeyer, Yankton, S.D.; Jay Brinkmeyer, Colorado Springs, Colo.; Catherine and Allen Molzen, Belvue; and Hilda and Norman Chakir, Great Bend.