LAKEWOOD, Colo.— Longtime resident of Creede, Bertie Hosselkus, 88, passed away June 23, 2017 at Villa Manor Care Center in Lakewood, Colo.
She was born July 18, 1928 in Creede to William and Bertha Kolisch.
Bertie married Gordon Hosselkus on Jan. 21, 1949. Together they raised two children, Gail and Kevin. Bertie retired from the U.S Postal Service after nearly 50 years of service. She also worked for the telephone company prior to the postal service. She was Gordon’s assistant in his private assaying company where she helped process samples. She was the bookkeeper for Kolisch Lumber (HKP Company) where it’s been said, “She was the backbone of the company.” Bertie also cleaned cabins for Wason Ranch, Soward’s Ranch and the 4UR Ranch and worked at the Creede Chamber of Commerce/Information Center.
Bertie was involved with the Eastern Star, The American Legion, and a member of the Rebekah Lodge. She also enjoyed knitting, which she was well known for. She donated many mittens and hats to the children of Mineral County when she was working for the postal service and well into retirement. She enjoyed gardening as her flowers and her greenhouse were her passion.
Bertie was preceded in death by her parents, her loving husband Gordon Hosselkus and two brothers Billy J. Kolisch and Dickie Kolisch.
She is survived by one son Kevin (Jan) Hosselkus and one daughter Gail (Fred) Kroll, brothers Stanley (Virginia) Kolisch and Karl (Frances) Kolisch, four grandchildren and their spouses, four great grandchildren, numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and many friends.
A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, July 29 at the Creede Community Center at 2 p.m., with a reception following. A private interment will be at a later date.
The family would appreciate donations to the Mineral County Ambulance, in care of Strohmayer’s Funeral Home, 205 S. Broadway, Monte Vista Co, 81144. Services will be directed by Strohmayer’s Funeral Home.
