Edward Bertsch
November 24, 1923 ~ November 20, 2013
Edward Louis Bertsch passed away Wednesday, November 20, 2013, at Elim Rehab and Care Center in Fargo, ND under the care of Hospice of the Red River Valley.
Ed was born on November 24, 1923, in Pierce County, ND to Peter and Helga (Stensholt) Bertsch. He married Christine Elizabeth Schaan, in Balta, ND on November 18, 1946. Ed and Christine spent most of their 67 years of marriage farming near Cathay, ND. They retired from farming in 1981 and enjoyed many wonderful times traveling throughout the United States and Europe. In 1996, they moved to Fargo to be near their family.
Ed is survived by his wife; their five children, Rodney (Jeannine) Bertsch, Champaign, IL; Renelle (Lawrence Merbach) Bertsch, Wahpeton, ND; Rocklin (Rhonda Golden) Bertsch, Fargo, ND; Randall (Anda) Bertsch, Irvine, CA; and Russell (Ann) Bertsch, Arden Hills, MN; their nine grandchildren, Holly (Mike) Anderson, Brandon (Leslie) Bertsch, Chad, Craig, Stephanie, J'Amy (Chris) Higgins and step-great-granddaughter, Ashtyn; Camielle, Carissa, and Genaro; step-grandchildren, Jim (Michelle) Merbach and family, and Sarah Merbach and family. Also surviving are his three siblings, Hilda Brooks, Fargo, ND; Dolores (Francis) Pfeifer, Rugby, ND; and Ralph (Regina) Bertsch, Rugby, ND.
He was preceded in death by his sister, Marion Wentz; his brother, Wilfred Bertsch; and his two step-grandchildren, David Merbach and Linda Merbach.
Ed's happiest moments were with his family, who he loved and supported greatly. He was caring and thoughtful. He enjoyed reading, intelligent conversation, and coin collecting.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are preferred to Hospice of the Red River Valley.
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Devils Lake ND
I amso sorry for your loss. I know this is late but my card came back today. I am a goddaughter of Edward and Christine and would love to forward my card to the appropriate address. If you wouid please let me know where to send it I would be so appreciative. Denise
Keystone NEDear Chris and family,
Colleen and I just found out about Ed’s passing. Our sincere sympathy to you all. Growing up in Harvey and spending time at your farm in Cathay brings back wonderful memories. Your friendship with our Mom and Dad (Jim and Virginia Burgard) was cherished. I can remember many nights sleeping over because the card games went on and on. I still make salsa every year using your recipe Chris. Ed was a wonderful man. Our love and blessings to you all. Cindy, Colleen, Mark and Matt Burgard, your cousins.
East grand Forks M MN
I am so sorry for your loss. Kathy let me know about Ed. Margaret Irmen (Beatsie)
Fargo ND
Dear Bertsch Family,
What a dear man we all have lost. So sorry to hear of your loss but now his pain and suffering is over and his glorius life has begun. My thoughts and prayers are with you during this time in your life. Wish I could be there to see all of you. God Bless–Gary Klein
Fargo ND
Dear Christine: My thoughts and prayers have been with you since I heard of Ed’s passing. I didn’t get to know him nearly as well as you, but I did see strength in Ed. I am thinking in this strength, he did a thorough job in preparing for the next life, Heaven! May he Rest In Peace, free from any worries forever! Love, Janet Nativity Church of Fargo
Thief River Falls MN
To Russ, Ann, Christine, and all of Ed’s family, we were sorry to hear of your loss, and our thoughts and prayers are with you now.
May the peace which comes from all of the wonderful memories of your father and husband, comfort you now and in the days ahead.
Brighton MIDear Christine and Family, Though many miles apart, you are in my thoughts and prayers. My condolences upon Edward’s passing. May God’s loving care be with you through hard days ahead. May Edward rest peacefully in the loving arms of Our Lord forever.
Fargo ND
My memories of Uncle Ed are from the farm by Cathay where I always felt warmly welcomed by him and Aunt Christine.
Lincoln North Dakota
My first cousin Ed was the relative I admired the most of all the Bertsch Clan. He was the kind of man us younger cousins would hope to emulate when we were mature men, and even if we came up short it would be a proud achievement to come close.
It is often said the good leave us to soon, but in Ed’s case the good was with us for 90 years, and I am so proud to have been his friend and first cousin.
I wish to convey my sympathy to Ed’s wonderful wife Christine, who I have always admired immensely, and to his children.
Ron Bertsch
Wahpeton ND
We pray with heartfelt condolences for your family during this time of grieving. Not a tear of sacred sorrow, not a breath of holy desire, poured out to God will ever be lost, but in God’s own time and way will be wafted back again in clouds of mercy, and fall in showers of blessings on you, and on those for whom you pray..
Dick and Rose Shorma