Harry C. Bertsch

Harry Bertsch, 92, of Ellendale, ND, went to be with his Lord Tuesday May 12th, 2015. Harry was born September 26th, 1922 in rural Ashley, ND, McIntosh County to Jacob and Karolina (Retzer) Bertsch. He grew up on the family farm and completed the 8th grade at McIntosh Country School. In 1940 Harry moved with his folks to Dickey County near Forbes, ND. On October 29th, 1944 he married Maggie Schock at Bethlehem Lutheran Church in Forbes. The couple made their home five miles north and one mile west of Forbes where they farmed for 32 years. In 1976 Harry semi-retired from farming and they moved to Ellendale. Because of his hard work ethic and love of farming he continued to work several years for a local farmer. Harry was a faithful member of his church. He always said “If we don’t go to church on Sundays than it doesn’t seem like a Sunday.” Harry spent his retirement years traveling, playing cards, playing pool and fishing which was his favorite past time. He was a wonderful father and a loving husband and enjoyed his grandchildren and great-grandchildren, celebrating many birthdays and family events. Survivors include his wife of 70 years, Maggie; three daughters: Wilma (Tim) Fox; Connie Fox, both of Watertown, SD; and Kathleen (Robert) Bennett, Fargo, ND. Six grandchildren: Deb (Brad) Sanders and Paul (Jill) Fox, both of Watertown, SD; Christy (Steve) Peterson, Fullerton, ND; John (Jodi) Klipfel, Forbes; Nick (Danielle) Bennett, San Antonio TX; Sarah (Jeff) Hersch, Moorhead, MN. Nine Great Grandchildren: Jennifer (Brandon) Soupir, and Jordan, Madison, and Olivia Fox all of Watertown, SD; Preston, Nathan and Abigail Peterson, Fullerton, Kara Klipfel; Morrison, CO; Tyler Gerke, St. Peter, MN; Katelyn and Travis Bennett, San Antonio, TX; Two Great-Great Granddaughters Brooklyn Withers and Mallory Soupir, Watertown, SD. Sisters Frieda Maier, Glendive, MT; Francis Priebe, Edgeley, ND; Betty Hagen, Ellendale, ND; and many nieces and nephews. Harry was preceded in death by his parents and sister Mary Bush. Harry C. Bertsch, 92 of Ellendale, ND died May 12, at Prince of Peace Care Center, Ellendale. The funeral is 10:30am Saturday, May 16 at Zion Lutheran Church, Ellendale with Pastor Paul Preus officiating. Visitation is 3-8pm Friday with a prayer service at 7pm all at Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale. Visitation continues one hour prior to services at the church. Burial is at Ellendale City Cemetery. Arrangements by Hoven Funeral Chapel, Ellendale.