Edward James Bertsch

Edward J. Bertsch, 68 of Devils Lake formerly of Webster, ND died on Monday, August 15, 2005 at Merit Care Hospital, Fargo. Funeral Services for Ed will be held on Saturday, August 20, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at St. Peter’s Lutheran Church, Devils Lake. Rev. Justin Schmidt will officiate and burial will be in the Devils Lake Cemetery. Military Honors will be accorded by the Neathery-Simensen Post #756, Devils Lake Veterans of Foreign Wars. Friends may call at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Friday from 9:00 a.m. until 9:00 p.m. with a Prayer Service at 7:00 p.m. Visitation on Saturday will be at the church one hour prior to services. Music will be cared for by Marion Schmidt, soloist accompanied by Mavis Blake. Congregational Hymns with Elonda Nord, organist. Serving as Casket Bearers will be: Gary Martinson, Steven Martinson, Leon Martinson, Shawn Martinson, Michael Martinson, Myron Martinson, Aaron Martinson, Steve Bertsch and Tim Haupt. Edward James Bertsch was born on July 12, 1937 in Towner County, Calio, ND the son of Paul and Katherine (Miller) Bertsch. In 1945 he moved with his family to Harding Township, Webster, ND where he was reared and educated at Harding Township School and St. Mary’s High School in Devils Lake. Ed then enlisted in the United States Air Force on January 5, 1956. He served his country at several Air Force Bases in the United States and overseas in Okinawa, Japan. After his honorable discharge on September 1, 1957, Ed returned to Webster where he farmed with his father and also worked for the Ramsey County Highway Department. On November 21, 1964, Ed was united in marriage to Elaine Martinson at Devils Lake where they made their home. Ed attended Lake Region Junior College and received his certification as a Highway Technician in May of 1966. He then went to work for the North Dakota State Highway Department and worked there until August of 1993 when health problems forced him to retire. Ed was a member of St. Peter’s Lutheran Church and also served on the Board of Trustees for many years. He was also a member of the Devils Lake Eagles and Elks Lodges. He served as president of the local AAL Board (now Thrivent Financial) for many years. During Ed’s retirement years he spent many hours restoring old furniture and also building new furniture and other wood working projects. As another hobby he raised livestock for many years. He was always there to help his children with their many home improvement projects, yard work and gardening. Ed’s most treasured moments always included the time he spent with his wife and children and when he could baby-sit or cook for his grandchildren. Ed was a loving and caring man who spent many months and years caring for his parents until their deaths. His memory will forever be in our hearts. Ed is survived by his wife of 40 years, Elaine Children: Janet Senger and her husband, Patrick James E. Bertsch and his wife, Tracy, all of Devils Lake Nancy Thompson and her husband, Ryan of Pembina Ten Grandchildren: Jason, Crystal and Daniel Senger; Amber, Christopher and Emily Bertsch; Ceara, Preston, Garrette and Austin Thompson. Mother-In-Law: Alvina Martinson, Devils Lake Brother: Joseph Bertsch and his wife, Cindy, Devils Lake Sisters: Angie Haupt, Billings, Montana Carolyn Beling and husband, Loren, Big Timber, Montana Many Nieces, Nephews and Cousins also survive. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother-in-law, William Haupt; father-in-law, Orville Martinson. Friends may sign the on-line register book at www.gilbertsonfuneralhome.com.