LONGVILLE, MN

AUGUST 30, 1945 – OCTOBER 11, 2020

Bertha passed away at her home on Sunday, October 11, 2020.

Bertha was born on August 30, 1945, in Kenosha, WI, to Nels and Ella (Trostad) Hillesland. As a young girl, she moved with her family to Aneta, ND and graduated from high school in McVille, ND.  She was united in marriage to Chester Hoyt on July 27, 1963 and they were blessed with four children:  Natalie, Timothy, Tom and Nita.  Chester worked building grain elevators throughout the Midwest so they moved frequently until finally settling in Clearwater, MN in 1969.  In addition to caring for her family, Bertha worked as a seamstress for many years.  She was excellent at her craft and was sought after to make and alter wedding dresses.  In 2003, they retired to their lake home on Townline Lake near Longville, MN.  Their door was always open to family and friends and grandchildren waited with anticipation to come to the lake to be spoiled with endless snacks, hugs and freedom to run and roam.

Bertha had many interests and hobbies.  She loved embroidery and enjoyed giving handmade gifts to family and friends. She was an excellent baker who was known for her homemade buns, lefse and cookies.  She believed in community involvement and volunteered many hours of her time with the Lions Club, Community Choir and The Tossed & Found. She loved the Lord and was an active member of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Federal Dam, MN.  Above all, she loved being a Grandma and was notorious for spoiling her grandchildren and great-grandchildren with no apologies.

She will be lovingly remembered by her husband, Chester; her children:  Natalie (Joel Mathews) Provo, Timothy (Phyllis) Hoyt, Tom (Rose) Hoyt and Nita (Tom) Searcy; 14 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; her brother, Neil (Mary) Hillesland; as well a nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Bertha was preceded in death by her parents; grandson, Justin; her in-laws:  Chester and Margaret Hoyt; and a sister-in-law.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 P.M. on Saturday, October 17, 2020 at Our Savior Lutheran Church in Federal Dam, MN with Dee Hillstrom officiating.  Arrangements provided by Whispering Pines Funeral & Cremation Service of Walker (www.whisperingpinesnorth@gmail.com).