Elmer J. Berta, 92 of Mishawaka, Indiana, went home to the Lord on April 2, 2023 with family by his side. Elmer was born on October 21, 1930 in South Bend, Indiana, to Julius M. and Anna F. (Madar) Berta. He married Gabriella Papai on June 3, 1961 at our Lady of Hungary Church in South Bend, Indiana.

Elmer is survived by his wife, Gabriella Berta; one brother, Don (Kaye) Berta; two sons, Ron (Charlene) Berta, Ed Berta (deceased); Four Grandchildren, Brittany (Javon) Bell; Brooke (Landon) Roberts; Lauren Barnes and Jennifer Berta; Eight Great Grandchildren: Serena, Luke, Collin, Caleb, Kaia, Saphira, Keira and Skyler.

Graduation in 1948 with a Certificate of Business Proficiency from Burbank High School in Burbank, California resulted in employment at the Coca-Cola Bottling Company.

Elmer then decided to enter the Catholic Seminary to become a brother and study for the priesthood. Over a 10 year period he studied at St. Meinrad Seminary School of Theology in IN, Holy Cross in IN; and schools in Watertown, WI and Rolling Prairie, IN.

At “Our Lady of the Lake Seminary” in Wawasee, Indiana Elmer studied for a Bachelor Degree in Education. He completed his Bachelor’s at Saint Edwards University in Austin, Texas. Elmer spent 10 years as a brother and with his teaching degree he taught the subjects of English, Latin, Greek, French, Social Studies and Civics. He taught at Gilmore Academy in Gates Mills, Ohio (near Cleveland); West High School in Argos, IN and at a high school in Indianapolis, IN. He last taught locally at Washington High School in South Bend, Indiana.

Elmer began studies for his Masters degree at the University of Notre Dame before deciding that he wanted a family. He left the seminary and through a blind date found the” love of his life”, Gabriella Papai. They were married for 62 happy years.

Elmer started his own business “Al’s Home Supplies” and it was his passion for 40 years. Elmer retired at the age of 73 to their home in South Bend, Indiana.

Elmer and Gabriella were members of the Elks Lodge #235 in South Bend for over 40 years.

Friends and Family may visit on Monday April 10 from 4-7 pm at Chapel Hill Funeral Home, 10766 McKinley Hwy., Osceola, IN 46561.

A Funeral Mass in his honor will be at St. Anthony de Padua Catholic Parish at 2310 E. Jefferson Blvd. in South Bend, IN on Tuesday April 11, 2023 at 11 am.

Entombment will follow at Chapel Hill Memorial Gardens.

04/08/2023 JFC