Bio-Minerd, BerthaReese

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Bertha (Minerd) Reese
(1889-1952)

Bertha O. (Minerd) Reese was born in October 1889 near Mt. Pleasant, Westmoreland County, PA, the daughter of Charles M. and Sabina (Pierce) Minerd. She and her husband faced almost indescribable sufferings, seeing three of their children and two grandchildren die, including two in wartime military service.

The portrait of Bertha seen at right was taken around the time of her marriage.

In November 1907, at age 17, Bertha married Richard C. Reese (1876-1970) of Stauffer, Westmoreland County. He was 13 years older than she.

The Reeses had 11 children -- Elvira May Kantorik, Charles Richard Reese, Clara Agnes Reese, Sabina Matilda Borza, Gladys Pearl Balcerek, Richard Nathan Reese, William Edward Reese, Alice Jane Balestrieri, Erma Jean Miller, Donald Henry Reese and James Arthur Reese.

Five-generations, L-R: Nadine (Kantorik) Barr holding baby Jack Barr Jr.; Elvira (Reese) Kantorik; Charles Marion Minerd; Bertha (Minerd) Reese

Tragically, daughter Clara Agnes died at age 18 in October 1930. Seen here, she had suffered from "quincy" and did not regain her health. She was buried at Greenlick Cemetery.

Then, in about 1931, nine-year-old son William was hit by a car and never fully recovered his health. he died in 1944, at the age of 22.

During World War II, son Richard and grandson in law Jack Barr both joined the armed services. Tragedy rocked the family when both Jack and Richard were killed in action.

Richard, seen at left, was a member of the 3160 O.B.A. and F.C. Company, 6100 B.A.M. Battalion. He lost his life in an attack in Dorchester, England, on Aug. 1, 1944. His remains were not returned to the US for burial until July 1948. He rests in the family plot at Greenlick Cemetery. He is one of more than 25 Minerd cousins to give the supreme sacrifice of their lives in US military service during wartime.

Jack's war story is unknown, but he left behind a widow and young son.

Exhausted by the overwhelming struggles of life, Bertha passed away in 1952. Richard survived her by 18 years, and died in 1970. They are buried together at Greenlick Cemetery.

Granddaughter Nadine Kantorik married Jack Barr. They had at least two children -- Jack L. Barr and Joyce Francis. Jack served in the U.S. Army and lost his life during World War II. Details are being researched.

Son Jack L. Barr (1944-2010) would have been an infant when his father died at war. He was raised in Mt. Pleasant and graduated from Hurst High School's Class of 1962. Jack married Cheryl R. Martz and had three children -- Jeffrey Lee Barr, Bryan J. Barr and Jason N. Barr. Jack was employed by the Menasha Corporation for more than 40 years as a shipper. Said the Greensburg Tribune-Review: "He was a member of the Shaft Club and of the Kosciuszko Club, where he had served as president. He was an avid fisherman, gardener and Steelers fan. Jack enjoyed life to its fullest." Jack died at age 66 on Aug. 15, 2010, with burial in the Mt. Pleasant Cemetery.
Great-grandson Jeffrey Lee Barr made headlines in 1999 after he died in a mountain bike race in Ohiopyle, Fayette County. In his memory, the state of Pennsylvania dedicated a trail at Forbes State Park along Route 31, named the 'Jeff Barr Memorial Trail.' The story received extensive feature coverage in the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and Pittsburgh Tribune-Review newspapers.