Marcella Bartusek, 88

Marcella M. Bartusek, 88, of New Prague, died Friday, Dec. 8, 2006, at Mala Strana Health Care Center in New Prague.

Born August 8, 1918 in Wheatland Township, Rice County, Marcella was a daughter of John B. and Mary Rose (Schoenbauer) Tupy. She attended Rice County District School and St. Wenceslaus School in New Prague. She married Benjamin E. Bartusek on June 6, 1939 at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague. They lived in Wheatland Township until 1976 when they moved into New Prague. Marcella was a homemaker and was active as a 4-H club leader. She enjoyed crocheting, sewing and gardening.

She is survived by her husband; children, Benjamin J. (Jean) Bartusek, New Prague, John T. (Shirley) Bartusek, Le Center and Mary Jane (William) Kessler, Cedar Falls, IA; seven grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by her parents; and a brother, Joseph H. Tupy.

Funeral services were held Tuesday, Dec. 12 at 10 a.m. at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Church in New Prague, with Rev. Kevin Clinton officiating. Interment was at St. Wenceslaus Catholic Cemetery in New Prague. Pallbearers were grandchildren, Mark, Michael, Matthew, Jeffrey and Keith Bartusek, Mara (Bartusek) Drill and Janelle (Bartusek) O'Donnell.

Visitation was held from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday and 7:30 to 9:30 a.m. Tuesday at the Bruzek Funeral Home in New Prague.