Berta Janice Van Ekeren was born on October 28, 1930 in Monroe, Iowa and passed peacefully on February 2, 2026 at Park Centre in Newton, Iowa at the age of 95.

The daughter of Harold and Bertha (Merritt) Wittmer, Berta graduated from Monroe High School in 1949, and went on to receive a teaching degree from Iowa State Teacher's College (now University of Northern Iowa) in 1954 and a master's from Drake University in 1966, while raising three little girls at home. She taught business and accounting at Newburg and Newton schools before spending most of her 40-year career in the Monroe school district as guidance counselor. Berta married fellow MHS classmate Philip Van Ekeren on June 9, 1956 at Westminster Presbyterian Church in Des Moines, and they made their home in Monroe until moving to Park Centre in Newton in 2019.

Guided by her passion for reading, music, education and community service, Berta invested her time in the Monroe library, public school, and Presbyterian church, where she directed the church choir for many years. She was a lifelong lover of books, believing that stories had the power to open minds, spark empathy, and bring comfort. An avid golfer and bridge player, Berta found joy in the friendships forged through those pastimes, and through her affiliation with PEO Chapter BH, Women's Club, Presbyterian Women, Delta Kappa Gamma, book club, and other organizations that were so important to her. Appointed by the Governor, she served 8 years on the Iowa Commission of Libraries. Most remarkably, she approached motherhood with patience, humor, and unwavering love, instilling in her girls and grandchildren a strong sense of independence, resilience, and a lifelong love of reading. Her steady influence will continue to guide them in ways both large and small.

Berta is survived by her three daughters, Jan Van Ekeren (Kevin Sypolt) of Seabeck, WA, Jo Van Ekeren of Auckland, New Zealand, and Jackie Romp (Bill) of Des Moines, IA; five cherished grandchildren, Philip Sypolt of Boston, MA, Austin Sypolt (Stephanie Sanchez) of Indianapolis, IN, Ellen Sypolt (Layth Yehyawi) of Chicago, IL, Jack Romp of New York, NY, and Jane Romp of Boston, MA; niece Carla Barnes (Bob) of Bellevue, WA, as well as six additional dear nieces and nephews and their families.

She was preceded in death by her husband Phil on November 1, 2025, her parents, two sisters and a brother in law, Bette and Orion Culver, and Perky Callaghan; Phil's three siblings and their spouses, Bud and Gen Van Ekeren, Jim and Bert Van Ekeren, and Norma and Don Celania; and two nieces and a nephew.

The family thanks the friends and staff at Park Centre and Wesley Hospice for the gentle care they provided during her time there. Joint graveside services for Berta and Phil will be held when family members can be present.

Memorials may be designated in her name to Friends of the Monroe Public Library, PO Box 780, Monroe, IA 50170 https://www.monroe.lib.ia.us/contact

"The only thing that you absolutely have to know is the location of the library." Albert Einstein.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.coburnfuneralhomes.com