Clarissa Juliet Bertling, 92, of rural Viroqua, passed away on Wednesday evening, Jan. 30, 2013, at her home surrounded by family.

She was born on Sept. 2, 1920, in Vernon County to Ole Theodore and Lena Margaret (Opsahl) Anderson. She was baptized and confirmed at the North Coon Prairie Lutheran Church and attended Homstad School at Newry. She was united in marriage to Alf Bertling on March 26, 1938, at Decorah, Iowa. They celebrated more than 68 years of marriage prior to his death on Feb. 26, 2007. Together, they farmed prior to moving to the Viroqua area in 1940. As Alf began his career in general contracting, Clarissa added another dimension to her loving role as Alf's lifelong helpmate. Always, the consummate homemaker, Clarissa's greatest joy was sharing her warm hospitality in welcoming guests to her cherished home. She was a faithful member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church and enjoyed her circle membership. She currently was a member of the Priscilla/Rebecca Circle. Making five memorable trips to Norway, Clarissa came to embrace Alf's affection for travel. She lovingly shared her love for the Norwegian heritage and tradition.

Clarissa was also preceded in death by her parents; eight brothers, Alvin (Ella), Clarence (Esther) Oliver, Lyder (Ethel), Norman (Alma), Lawrence (Helen), Orville (Myrtle) and Clifford Anderson; four sisters, Gladys (Louie) Olson, Mellinda (Carl) Thorson, Hazel (Arnold) Kjelland and Olga (Alton) Jackson; and dear friends, Alvin and Ida Vold. She was further preceded in death by her father- and mother-in-law, John F. and Agnes M. (Helgheim) Bertling; Bertling in-laws, Orval and Ruth Bertling, Lillian and Oscar Hilden, Lt. Norbert Bertling in World War II, Marvin Jothen and Harvey Jernander. Blessed be the memory of Clarissa Bertling