Verner A. "Bert" Bertelsen

Verner A. "Bert" Bertelsen, 81, of Belleville, IL, born Tuesday, January 29, 1929, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, went to be with his Lord and Savior at 3:10am, Friday, January 28, 2011.

Mr. Bertelsen, better known as BERT was a 1951 graduate of Luther College in Decorah, Iowa. He then joined the U.S. Air Force during the Korean War. He married on April 6, 1952 to Gloria Lee Johnson of East St. Louis. They then resided in Wichita, Kansas at MConnel Air Force Base for 3 1/2 years. On returning to Civilian life he worked at White Rodgers for a time and in 1958 he began his lifes work as manager and then owner of Thirfty Hardware in Cahokia, IL. He remained there until 2005 when Alzheimers Disease made him retire. He was an avid sports fan and bowler, with over a 200 average. He was a member of Signal Hill Luthern Church in Belleville, IL. He was very active in church through the years as a Deacon, Elder and Vice President. He ushered for over 50 years combined at Thrinity Lutheran, Peace Lutheran and Signal Hill Lutheran.

He was preceded in death by:

  • Parents: Neils and Mabel nee Hansen Bertelsen

Surviving are his:

  • Wife: Gloria L. nee Johnson Bertelsen
  • Children
    • Brenda Lee (Don) Murrell of Vandalia, IL
    • David Allen (Sarah) Bertelsen of St. Louis, MO
    • Mark Anton Bertelsen of Houston, TX
    • Daniel Neils Bertelsen of Belleville, IL
  • Brother: Allan (Gloriann) Bertelsen of Fresno, CA
  • Grandchildren
    • Nelson Sprague
    • Rianna Sprague
    • Ian Murrell
    • Keith (Kendra) Bertelsen
    • Kali Bertelsen
    • Joshua Scalf Bertelsen
  • Sisters-in-law
    • Virginia Kirkland of Belleville, IL
    • Ruth Grunwald of Belleville, IL
  • Nephews: Steven, Herman, Eric & Freddy
  • Niece: Kyla

Memorials: Memorials may be made to Signal Hill Lutheran Church or Alzheimers Association

Visitation: Friends may call from 3-7 P.M., Sunday, January 30, 2011 at the Kurrus Funeral Home, Belleville, IL.

Funeral: A funeral procession will leave from Kurrus Funeral Home at 10:15am, Monday January 31, 2011 for a 10:30 am funeral service at Signal Hill Lutheran Church in Belleville, IL with Pastor Mark Wiesner officiating. Interment will follow at Lake View Memorial Gardens, Fairview Heights, IL.

Condolences left for Verner A. "Bert" Bertelsen:

    Cahokia Chamber of Commerce would like to express our sympathies to Bert's family and friends and his son Daniel and the staff at Thrifty Hardware.

    Cahokia Chamber of Commerce Cahokia IL 62206

    You were a good friend and customer for many years, Bert. You will be missed.

    Jack Burke St Peters Missouri 63376

    Bert-You were a best friend and roommate for 4 years of college.I could always count on you. Although separated by many miles we kept in touch and you were always considered my friend. Rest in Peace.

    Jack Krupicka St. George Ut 84790

    Dear Bertelson Family,
    God be with you as He comforts, strengthens & guides you to your "new normal". Amen.
    Our sincere sympathies on that Alzheimers Disease. Steve Crossley said, 3 years ago, that his Mother had it. I don't know if Peg has passed. Dewey School was, & continues to be "family"... with so many wonderful memories, and our shared BTHSW memories, too...

    Ann (Heileman) & Gary Karasek Swansea IL 62226