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GRAFTON, Wis. -- Bertie Lou Mahal, 81, a beloved wife, sister, mother, grandmother, aunt, and faithful friend, passed away on July 27, 2026, in the wonderful care of Horizon's Lawlis Family Hospice. Just as she lived her life, she left this world surrounded by the love of her family and with her devoted husband at her side.
Bertie was born on March 22, 1945, in Iron Mountain, to Sylvia (née Ahlstrand) and Wilbert "Cab" Anderson. She grew up in Aurora, Wis., and attended Florence High School, where upon graduation, she moved to Chicago to become a medical laboratory technician. There, she earned a job downtown with a group of nationally renowned internal medicine doctors and had great pride in her work.
In June of 1966, Bertie met Dale Mahal of Chicago. They were united in marriage on May 4, 1968, and resided in Westmont, Ill. In 1972, Bertie and Dale relocated to Grafton, Wis., where they built their permanent home that would be a haven for elaborate celebrations, family gatherings, and later became their sanctuary. Together they raised a beautiful family and built a life defined by faith, hard work, servanthood, and profound joy through their many travels, business endeavors, friendships, and growing family.
In 1989, Bertie was diagnosed with throat cancer, and in her humble nature, kept her diagnosis private. As she endured radiation treatment, she kept busy with her love of cooking and baking. Though the effects of her treatment remained lifelong, she persisted with unwavering strength and never allowed it to diminish her joy in serving others. She had a true servant's heart, and ensuring that everyone was well-nourished was one of the many ways she cared for others.
Later that year, after completing treatment, Bertie and Dale purchased the renowned Harry's Restaurant in Port Washington, Wis., and they remained proud owners until its closing in 2015. Harry's was a hub for community and connection, where the couple forged relationships that would last a lifetime. For Bertie, this was not just a business, it was her ministry. She was a mother figure to many, including restaurant staff, her children's friends, and anyone who found a seat at her table.
She quietly served those in need throughout the community, always willing to feed a hungry mouth and ensure that everyone felt loved, appreciated, well-fed, and like a member of the Mahal family. Bertie was known for her holiday cookie tins and for the cookies decorated by restaurant staff to share with customers during the holiday season. Serving others was her passion.
Bertie was preceded in death by her brother, Ward Anderson; her parents, Sylvia and Wilbert Anderson; her in-laws, Dorothy and Raymond Mahal; brother-in-law Ronald Mahal Sr.; and sisters-in-law Harlene Mahal, Joyce Mahal, and Judith Mahal.
Bertie is survived by her loving husband of 58 years, Dale; her children, Kimberly (Jon) Pierce of Minnetonka, Minn., Graham (Lisa) Mahal of Lino Lakes, Minn., Ashley (Bradley) Bollech of Grafton; and her beloved grandchildren, Sophie and Graysen Bollech, Kylee and Dylan Pierce, and Sadie and Sylvia Mahal. She is also survived by her sister and best friend, Charlene Anderson; brother-in-law Keith Mahal; sister-in-law Gayle Anderson; and many nieces and nephews.
A memorial service will be held Friday, Aug. 21, at St. Paul Lutheran Church in Grafton. Visitation will be held from 1 to 3:30 p.m., followed by the memorial service at 3:30 p.m. We ask that all attending wear pink -- Bertie's favorite -- or bright colors.
Bertie's family extends their heartfelt gratitude to the nurses and staff at the Aurora Medical Center in Grafton, as well as the Horizon's Lawlis Family Hospice at Ascension Columbia St. Mary's Hospital for the exceptional care of their wife, sister, mother, and grandmother. In lieu of flowers, the family welcomes memorial donations to Horizon's Lawlis Family Hospice and to Portal, Inc., a non-profit organization that is dear to the Mahal family. Please visit www.plopperfh.com to view the Bertie Lou Mahal video tribute or to send online condolences to the Mahal Family.
Links to donate: www.horizonhomecareandhospice.org/donate; www.justgiving.com/charity/portalinc.
As we remember Bertie Lou Mahal, we honor a remarkable woman whose legacy will leave an indelible mark on so many. She is deeply missed, including by her beloved cat, Boo, but we rejoice that she has been made whole and is now living new life in the presence of our merciful God. Through the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ, we hold fast to the hope that we will be reunited with her in the glorious presence of our Lord and Savior.
"Well done, good and faithful servant!" -- Matthew 25:21