Alberta Amstutz

Alberta Fern Amstutz, affectionately known as "Berta," left an indelible mark on the world as she danced through life with a spirit as captivating as her smile. Born on December 13, 1937, in South Beloit, IL, she lived a life as vibrant and varied as her interests. Helen Keller once said, "Life is either a daring adventure or nothing at all," and for Alberta, it was always a daring adventure.

Alberta met Robert Lee Amstutz in South Beloit, Illinois and they were married at The People's Church in Beloit, Wisconsin. They had 47 wonderful years together before Robert's death in 2001. Berta was a proud Army wife for 28 years, traveling the world with her husband, Robert, and their children. Her journey took her from her birthplace in Illinois to the military bases of Missouri, California, Washington, Georgia, Kansas, and Europe. Along the way, she imbued her life with music, dancing, and a joy for living that was infectious. She played the piano, accordion, and French horn, often performing with her family's band at gatherings and celebrations. An avid jogger, walker, and line dancer, Berta embodied the quote by Friedrich Nietzsche: "We should consider every day lost on which we have not danced at least once."

Alberta retired in 2000 from Carson Pirie Scott - Bergners Distribution Center after a fulfilling career as a shipping clerk. As a retiree, she invested her time in hobbies that brought her joy, such as cake decorating and attending jams. Always a leader, she served as a Girl Scout and Cub Scout Leader, and held officer positions with two different Volksmarching Clubs in Germany. She volunteered with the Army Community Services assisting military families for 4 years while stationed in Germany. In her high school years, she was the secretary for her senior class and showcased her artistic talent in the school newspaper and yearbook.

Alberta was the sixth of ten children, born to parents Hiram Kramar and Margaret Colby-Kramar. She had 21 nieces and nephews, 9 grandchildren, 15 Great-Grandchildren, and 5 Great-Great Grandchildren. She is preceded in death by her parents and beloved husband, Robert Lee Amstutz of South Beloit and her daughter, Sharon Lynn Amstutz Dammen. Also predeceased are her siblings Betty Campbell, Stephen "Bud" Kramar, Orin Kramar, Beverly Wells, Shirley Dahlgren, Gerald Kramar, Elaine Love, Marilyn Mead, and Carolyn Hagood. She is survived by her loving children, Donna Stoll (Thomas) in Panama City, FL; Ricky Amstutz (Christine) in Clearwater, FL; and David Amstutz (Deborah) in Rockton, IL.

As we remember Alberta, we celebrate her boundless energy, her love for life, and her unending love for her family and friends. Alberta lived as though everything was a miracle, and she was, indeed, a miracle to all who knew her.

A funeral Ceremony will be held at 10:30 a.m., Saturday, September 19, 2026 in McCorkle Funeral Home - Rockton Chapel, 767 N. Blackhawk Blvd., Rockton, IL with Rev. Randy Nicholas officiating. Burial will be in Rockton Township Cemetery. A visitation will be held at the Funeral Home on Friday, September 18, 2026 from 4:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Please join us in celebrating Alberta's life by sharing your memories and photos on her memorial page. Her spirit lives on in the stories we share and in the love that remains.