Alberta M. ‘Bertie’ Sauerland, age 85, of Brookville, Indiana died Monday, January 31, 2022 at McCullough Hyde Memorial Hospital in Oxford, Ohio.
Born February 7, 1936 at home in Brookville, Indiana she was the second born child of the late Albert & Alma (Fehlinger) Sauerland.
She attended St. Michaels School in Brookville for eight years, before graduating from the former Brookville High School with the class of 1954.
She secured her first job a few weeks following graduation in 1954 at the Brookville Telephone Company that was owned by Lloyd & Bob Morin, where she worked until 1958 when the Morin Brothers sold out to General Telephone Company. She then went to work at the former Franklin Casket Company where she remained until 1971, when she went to work for Connersville Casket Company. In 1974 she was hired by then Franklin County Auditor, John Bischoff, thus beginning her career in public service.
She was appointed Auditor of Franklin County in 1974 and served until December 31, 1975, she then became First Deputy Auditor from 1976 – 1983. She became county Auditor by election from 1984 until 1991. She was then elected Clerk/Treasurer of the Town of Brookville in 1992 and served in that position until she retired in 2006 at the age of 70.
She was a member of the Ladies Democratic Club since 1974; and had served six years on the Franklin County Sheriff’s Merit Board.
Her greatest joy in life was flowers and working in her yard until her health no longer permitted. She also was very fond of animals and they of her.
Bertie is survived by her brother, Jim Sauerland of Brookville, a sister-in-law, Janice Sauerland of Oxford, Ohio; other survivors include a nephew Jeff (Karen) Sauerland of Blooming Grove, Indiana; two nieces, JoAnn Bales of Winchester, Indiana and Jennifer (Lee) King of Dublin, Ohio; several great nieces & nephews, Brandon Bales, Andy (Katie) Sauerland, Matt (McKenzie Frashur) Sauerland, Marissa Bales, and Emilee King; as well as a great-great niece Bentley Jo Sauerland.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by a sister, Evann E. Bernhart, and a brother, Otto Joseph Sauerland.
Family & friends may visit from 11:00 A.M. until 12:00 Noon on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home, 1025 Franklin Avenue, Brookville.
Rev. Shaun Whittington will officiate the Funeral Services on Saturday, February 12, 2022 at Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home. Burial will then follow in St. Michael Catholic Cemetery in Brookville.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the American Kidney Fund, Arthritis Foundation or PETA. The staff of Phillips & Meyers Funeral Home are honored to serve the Sauerland family, to sign the online guest book or send personal condolences please visit www.phillipsandmeyers.com.