Bertha Marie Aust was born June 21, 1923, in Benson, Minnesota, the daughter of Herman and Bertha (Webber) Hess. She was baptized and confirmed at Visitation Catholic Church in Danvers. Bertha grew up in Danvers and attended school through the eighth grade. In 1943, Bertha was united in marriage to Peter Aust in Danvers. This union was blessed with five children. Together, Bertha and Peter were able to share in over 50 years of marriage. The family farmed in Marysland Township, and Bertha was a housewife, took care of the children and helped on the farm. She also worked at Fingerhut for a couple of years. Among the things she enjoyed were crafts of all kinds, needlepoint, cooking, baking and playing cards. Bertha was called from this life on Wednesday, February 18, 2009 at the Swift County Benson Hospital. She attained the age of 85 years, 7 months and 27 days. Bertha is survived by her children: Artis (Carlton) Ohmacht of Villard, Judy Krohnke of Sioux Falls, SD, and Ricky (and special friend Maria Martinez) of Danvers; sixteen grandchildren: Shawn, Brent, Todd, Missy, Jeremy, Keannen, Ryan, Shannon, John, Mike, Dana, Nicholas, Nathan, Lynette, Kristine, and Lance; 21 great-grandchildren; and other relatives and friends. Preceding her in death were her husband Peter in 1996; a son, Larry Aust; a daughter, Mary Jane Streed; two grandchildren: Kendall Aust and Miles Staton; her parents, Herman and Bertha; four brothers and two sisters.