Gertrude A. "Gertie" Bresina

Gertrude (Gertie) A. Bresina, 97, of Tilden passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her family on Tuesday, March 10, 2026. She was an extraordinary woman and will be greatly missed.

Gertie was born in Bloomer on July 18, 1928, to Joseph and Ottilia (Ruff) Koehler.

On February 17, 1947, Gertie married Thomas Bresina at St. Paul’s Catholic Church in Bloomer. Together they raised 11 children, while operating several businesses including Bresina’s Meat Market, Q and B Tavern, the Country Villa, and the Villa Motel.

Gertie held many jobs throughout her life including setting bowling pins, waitressing, cooking, and working at the Northern Center. She primarily dedicated her life to her family, from babies through adulthood, sharing her love, faith, and wisdom, always putting others first.

One of Gertie’s favorite pass times was gardening. She grew many plants from seeds and shared her seedlings and produce with anyone who stopped to visit. This is just one example of Gertie’s generous spirit. Gertie also enjoyed a good game of cards and working on jigsaw puzzles.

Gertie’s Catholic faith was what made her strong, wise, courageous, and humble. She prayed the Rosary and Chaplet of Divine Mercy daily. Gertie attended Mass at St. Peter’s weekly and was a regular attendee at Monday evening Novena.

Gertie is survived by three sons, Thomas Jr., Jim (Nadine), and Douglas (Karen) all of Tilden; two sons-in-law Dan Schemenauer and Tom Fliehr; four daughters; Barb (Wayne) Bowe, of Tilden, Diane (Mark) Kuba of Bloomer, Mary (Scott) Stevens of Burnsville, Minnesota, and Pam (Wayne) Franz of Chippewa Falls; one brother Joseph Koehler of Bloomer; 30 Grandchildren; 48 Great Grandchildren; 2 Great-Great Grandchildren.

Gertie was preceded in death by her husband Thomas Bresina Sr., one son Daniel Bresina, three daughters, Karen Schemenauer, Jeanne Fliehr, Nancy Swoboda; one daughter-in-law, Anne Bresina; one grandson, Kevin Swoboda, and one grandson-in-law, Justin Gilbertson. She was also preceded in death by her parents, five sisters, Katherine Gorectke, Mary Horn, Delores Irwin, Helen Koehler, and Lorraine Koehler; and five brothers, Robert, Louie, Edwin, Leon, and Howard.

Gertie’s family extends a thank you to all who visited her during these last few months, and to her hospice nurses Angie and Quinn. A special thanks to Father Alex Kren for his bedside visits, prayers, and blessings.

Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 12:00 pm, Friday, March 20 at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Tilden. Burial will be at the church cemetery, with a luncheon to follow. Visitation will be held Friday, March 20, from 9:30 to11:30 a.m. at St. Peter’s Church, with a rosary at 9:00 a.m.

Gertie will be remembered for her strong work ethic, serving others’ needs, and always sharing what she had. Her door was always open to greet anyone who needed a listening ear. She never tired of hearing what her children and grandchildren were doing. She took time to celebrate the good times, give encouragement during difficult times, and pray for each family member by name. We are all better because we had Gertie for a mother, grandmother, and friend.