Obituary of Bertha Givens Vandenberg
Princeville – Bertha Givens Vandenberg, 89, of Peoria, formerly of Princeville, died at 11:52 p.m. Saturday, April 14, 2012, at Bickford Cottage of Peoria.
She was born February 28, 1923, in Farmington, IL, the daughter of Francis and Louise Zibert Kickel.
Bertha married Homer “Al” Givens in Peoria on Aug. 21, 1943; he preceded her in death in 1981. She married Dr. Roy Vandenberg in Peoria on April 25, 1987; he preceded her in death in 1996.
Surviving are three children, Jeffrey (Donna) Givens, Laura, IL, Sally (Richard) Cloyd of Peoria, Erik (Deborah) Givens, of Princeville, IL; three stepchildren, Mary Carney- Nelson of Deer Creek, IL, Steve (Terri) Vandenberg of Lutz, FL, Lisa Klein of Normal; five grandchildren, Carrie Combs of Bloomington, Jennifer Curtis of Laura, Lacey and Lindsey Givens of Princeville, and Kierstin Walton of Athens, GA; three great-grandchildren, Olivia Combs of Bloomington, Jeffrey Curtis of Laura, and Taylor Roberson of Galesburg; and one brother, Frank Kickel of Peoria.
Bertha’s first job out of school was at Letourneau-Westinghouse in Peoria where she was recognized for several processes she developed to improve efficiencies. In 1949, she and her husband moved to Princeville, IL, where they established and operated Givens Machine Shop for more than 30 years. Bertha retired in 1994, when her sons took over the business. During her years in Princeville, she was appointed to fill unexpired terms on both the Village Board and Library Board.
Bertha was an adventurous cook who collected rocks and loved her family dearly. She was a very kind and understanding woman who instilled a deep sense of empathy and gratitude in her children and her grandchildren.
Funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. Wednesday, April 18, 2012, at Hammitt-Hott Funeral Home in Princeville. There will be no visitation. Rev. David Bucknam of Northwoods Community Church will officiate. Burial will be in Princeville Cemetery.
Memorial contributions may be made to Lillie M. Evans Library, P.O. Box 349, Princeville, IL 61559, or Akron-Princeville Ambulance.
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