Bertine Loop Schenken

Bertine Kathryn Loop Schenken passed away peacefully May 22, 2025, one day after her 81st birthday. Bertine was born in Monticello, Iowa, to Bert H. Loop and Kathryn McElliott Loop. She graduated from Monticello Sacred Heart High School, class of 1962, and was a 1966 graduate of the University of Iowa. After her marriage to John Schenken, she continued her education, earning a master’s degree in social work from the University of Nebraska, class of 1974. She was a fierce advocate for her many clients throughout her 40+ years as a family services therapist in Lincoln, Nebraska. Whatever she wanted to do, she did it with her own unique style. She loved to cook and travel. She was a talented artist – painting, sketching, weaving and gardening. As a Master Gardener, she taught college classes, and for 14 years co-hosted the radio show How’s It Growin? on Nebraska radio station KZUM. Bertine shared her passionate belief in the healing power of plants and gardening as therapist-owner of The Healing Garden, and through her many award-winning hours of dedicated volunteer service projects in her Lincoln, Nebraska community. In 2022, she moved to Colorado to be closer to family. Preceded in death by her parents, and nephew Bryan Loop. Survived by brothers and sisters-in-law, Dave and Joyce Loop of Lake George, Colorado, and Delbert and Barbara Loop of Monticello, Iowa; nieces Kathy, Kris, and Melissa, and nephews Dan and Allen, as well as several grand-nieces and nephews. Services will be held Saturday, July 26, 2025, 11:00 am at Calvary Cemetery, Ryan, Iowa, where Bertine will be laid to rest next to her beloved mother.