Bertsch, Robert Frederick, Sr. (1922 – 2012)

BERTSCH, KOTTKE, SMITH, BJORNSON

Posted By: Denise Wurner (email)
Date: 8/4/2013 at 16:16:13

Name of deceased: Robert Frederick Bertsch, Sr.

Aged: 90 yrs, 11 mo, 16 days

Residence: Elm Crest Retirement Community, Harlan, IA

Born: Jan. 14, 1922, Hedrick, IA

Died: Dec. 30, 2012, Harlan, IA

Funeral services: Thursday, Jan. 3, 2013, at the Immanuel Lutheran Church in Harlan, Iowa, with Pastor Steve Chellew officiated. Burial was in the Harlan Cemetery, Harlan, IA.

Survived by: wife of 70 years, Opal Bertsch of Harlan, IA; sons, Bob (spouse, Jan) Bertsch, Jr., of Willis, MI, Tom (spouse, Lois) Bertsch of Columbus, NE, and Dan (spouse, Irene) Bertsch of Indianola, IA; sister, Evelyn Smith of Milwaukie, OR; 8 grandchildren; 5 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends

Predeceased by: Parents, Leonard Grover and Eva (nee Kottke) Bertsch; sister, Eva Bjornson; brothers, Rex Bertsch and James Bertsch, in infancy

Education: graduated from Avoca (IA) High School, Class of 1939

Military service: U.S. Army, 3 years during World War II (including 15 months in Europe); Honorably Discharged

Marriage: Opal Maxine Blaine, Oct. 29, 1942, Vancouver, WA.

Employment: While in high school, employed at Bake’s Cafe in Avoca, IA; after his military service, he moved with Opal to Harlan and was employed as Supervisor of the Iowa Department of Transportation in Shelby County, from 1946 until his retirement in 1984.

Hobbies/Interests: active member of Immanuel Lutheran Church, Harlan, IA; had served on both the church council and the new church building committee, and taught Sunday School. Was a former member of the Harlan VFW, past-president of the Golden K Club, and a former Boy Scout leader. Active member and past-president of the Shelby County Museum; member, building committee for the new Harlan High School. Enjoyed gardening, refinishing furniture, and traveling, particularly trips to Europe. Avid Hawkeye fan and Harlan Cyclone football fan. Played Santa for the Golden Kiwanis Club in Harlan for several years.

Source: burmeisterjohannsen.com