By RuthAnn Wilson
A strong and effective community is made up of people with different gifts all working together. But, community also depends on the leadership of someone willing to sacrifice for the benefit of the group as a whole, someone with a generous spirit, and concern for the well-being of “the least of these”.
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Bertha McSchooler Johnson
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“She is definitely a ‘can-do’ person,” said Carol Navrestad. “She is always available to help others; she’s a detail person, and she organizes whatever needs to be done. I have never known her to be ill.”
Someone mentioned that once Bertha has a project, “just stay out of her way!” This was said with deep respect and as a tribute to her expertise and leadership. It was pointed out that Bertha is always one to try to make life a little better for someone else, to ease their suffering, give them hope, and lend a helping hand. If you need a Chair- or Co-Chair for any organization, ask Bertha. Bertha pays attention to what is needed, who needs it, when it’s needed, and how it should be organized. It is well-known that Bertha is the person to call.
She is the one who can provide the energy and the skill to organize an event. She has all the equipment needed for serving at functions, including tables, coolers, thermos jugs, roasters, pots and pans, coffee pots, and all the other accessories for a group of any size. She loads whatever is needed into her serviceable van, and is the first to arrive and the last to leave.
For many years, Bertha has cooked untold gallons of Rømmegraut for the Syttende Mai festivities. When someone volunteers to help, she is a great teacher, and makes it a lot of fun in the process. When no one is there to help, she is like the Little Red Hen, and goes about the task cheerfully, freezing the gallons of Rømmegraut in her home freezer until serving it at various Syttende Mai functions.
When the Lions Club, the Sons of Norway, or the Historical Society has an event, Bertha is the one who makes sure everyone knows what needs to be done to ensure plenty of food, and the people to help. Bertha is the one who quietly works in the background to “cover all the bases” and be prepared for any emergency.
Bertha notices when someone in the community needs a helping hand and sees to it that someone helps. She will drop anything to help someone in need. Someone who wishes to remain unnamed said, “She’s wonderful! She is always there for me. I don’t know what I would do without her.”
Bertha McSchooler grew up on a dairy farm in Omro near Oshkosh. She was teaching in Cashton when she was introduced to Robert Johnson in Westby. Soon they had four beautiful children: Roger, Jean, Grant, and Susan. Bertha loved being a stay-at-home wife and Mom on their beautiful dairy farm.
As the children reached adulthood, Bertha returned to teaching high school in Cashton. She and Robert added other community functions to their schedule, including Sons of Norway, Lions, Syttende Mai Committee, and Immanuel Lutheran Church. Bertha is also in the American Legion Auxiliary and the Red Hats. Robert is on County Board, so she gets involved there, too.
This writer called Bertha’s eldest daughter to ask a few questions. Jean immediately wanted to ask her siblings to say something about their mother. After being sworn to secrecy to keep the surprise, Jean said, “We think about how lucky we are to have such a great Mom. We are also lucky to have Dad, because they are a great team. Children are going to be what they choose to be; parents are just there to guide them. We think our parents have been great role models.”
Roger, Grant and Sue each added thoughts: “Church and 4-H were always important. We had horses and went on trail rides with many friends. We grew up having lots of family fun. Our parents are very optimistic. They always say, ‘Things could be worse’.”
“Mom and Dad think the world of their grandchildren and they will do anything for them, even if it means traveling hundreds of miles to get to a football game, confirmation or graduation. They always make them feel as special as they are. They travel near and far to weddings, reunions, and funerals, not only for family but for other relatives, friends and acquaintances.”
“Mom started doing reflexology in 1989 so when she retired from teaching, she really got busy trying to help people feel better with her healing hands. Mom and Dad are happiest when they are helping others. Going out of their way is not a problem - they want to be there for others and it makes them feel good.”
Westby is a strong community because of strong people like Bertha Johnson. It’s the strength that comes from within; it’s the humble, loving strength that creates a community where neighbors wave to one another and support each other, where friends and family feel connected.
Thank you, Bertha Johnson, and thank you to all your family.
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