Bertha L. "Birdie" (Neu) Schiller

MADISON-Bertha Laura "Birdie" (Neu) Schiller, of Madison, found eternal peace on Monday, Jan. 11, 2016, at The Pines Assisted Living in Prairie du Sac. Birdie was born on Feb. 5, 1924, to Bertha (Siemast) and Fred Neu near Merrill and grew up on a farm near Hartford. She married Lial Endres in 1945; he preceded her in death in 1946. She managed the Children's Department at Campbell's Department Store in Hartford, where Eugene Edward Schiller asked her out on a date. Birdie and Gene married in 1957, and Birdie kept their home and raised their five children as Gene ran and owned the Farmer's Implement Store in Madison. Birdie was a terrific cook, and together she and Gene enjoyed gardening and traveling, often involving their family in both of these hobbies. She was an active member at Holy Cross Lutheran Church in Madison, and volunteered for many years at Bethesda Thrift Store in Madison, where she particularly enjoyed arranging window displays. Beloved by all who knew her, Birdie was a woman of faith with a patient and generous heart who always "bloomed" where God planted her. She dedicated her life to nurturing and caring for her growing family, and she always had a kind thought or a gentle word ready for those around her. It is a rare person who didn't get a greeting card from Birdie with a thoughtful sentiment or loving word handwritten inside. Birdie is survived by her children, Alan (Dorothy) Endres of Prairie du Sac, Linda (Phil) Malsack of Montello, John (Amy) Schiller of Kensington, Md., Carole (Rob) Howard of Hudson and Karen (Bob) Godwin of Anchorage, Alaska; grandchildren, Chris (John) Diehl, Dan (Janel) Endres, Sylvia (Brian) Okuley, Adam Malsack, Jessica (Mustapha Ampeh) Malsack, Emily (Alex) Truell, Laura (Mike) Frisvold, Jonathan (Miranda) Howard, Meredith (Seth) Blum and Madeline and Isaac Schiller; and many great-grandchildren, nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gene; her parents; her sister, Lorraine (Neu) Lepein; and her granddaughter, Gillian Kavinsky. A memorial gathering will be held at THE PINES ASSISTED LIVING, 1050 Prairie St, Prairie Du Sac, from 4:30 p.m. until 7 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 15, 2015. A funeral service will be held at HOLY CROSS LUTHERAN CHURCH, 2670 Milwaukee St., Madison, at 11 a.m., on Saturday, Jan. 16, 2016, with a luncheon to follow. Visitation will be held at the church from 9:30 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the family for a memorial fund to be established. The family would like to extend a special thanks to the staff at The Pines Assisted Living in Prairie du Sac for their terrific care and friendship of Birdie. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com. Gunderson East Funeral & Cremation Care 5203 Monona Drive (608)221-5420