Vernon F. Bertsch

Vernon F. Bertsch. 84 of Devils Lake formerly of Starkweather, ND passed away on Friday, March 8, 2019 at his home.

Vernon Fred Bertsch was the oldest of three children born in 1935 in Devils Lake, ND to Louis and Kathryn (Thomas) Bertsch. He attended grade school in Garske, ND and graduated from  Devils Lake Central High School with the class of 1953.

Vernon was united in marriage on October 8, 1956 to Phyllis Erickson at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Devils Lake. They met at a dance in Starkweather.  They began farming in Starkweather and were the proud parents of 6 children.  Phyllis passed away December 10, 1969. 

On March 21, 1998, Vernon married Juanita Greening. They lived on the farm until 2012 when they moved to Devils Lake, but Vernon still helped his son Don on the farm when he could. 

Vernon loved farming, hunting, fishing, enjoyed a good card game at the Senior Center and spending time at the casino. His most treasured moments were spent with his dear family and friends.

Vernon is survived by his loving family. His wife Juanita; children Kathryn (Steven) Myklebust, Grand Forks, ND, Kenneth (Leslie) Bertsch, West Fargo, ND, Jeanne (Randy) Schaley, Niagra, ND, Donald (Maureen) Bertsch, Starkweather, Patricia (Greg) Hagfors, Bend, Oregon and Nancy (Todd) Trudel, Granite Falls, Minnesota; step daughters Terri (Chad) Haberstroh, Sarles, ND, Kim (Scott) Johnson, Alberta, MN and Nancy (Jon) Greenley, Horace, ND; 32 grandchildren and 28 great grandchildren, all of whom he was very proud of; two sisters Veronica (Dale) Cech, Redwood Falls, MN and Diane (Gary) Westlind, Windsor, CO; several nieces and nephews and their families also survive.

He was preceded in death by his wife Phyllis, an infant daughter and parents.

Funeral Services for Vernon will be held on Thursday, March 14, 2019 at 10:00 a.m. at St. Joseph Catholic Church, Devils Lake, ND. Burial will be at the Assumption of Mary Cemetery, rural Starkweather in the spring.

Visitation will be held at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake on Wednesday, March 13^th beginning with a Prayer Service and time of sharing at 5:00 p.m. and will continue until 7:30 p.m.  Visitation on Thursday will be at the church one hour prior to the funeral service.