Walter John Bertsch
May 5, 1930 – January 13, 2015
The Bertsch family has lost a devoted husband, loving father and grandfather. Walter was known for his love for books, classical music, opera, friends, and good food. He became a fervent scholar of The Hebrew and New Testament scriptures and was passionate about living a life that reflected the teaching of Jesus. His smile and hugs welcomed all regardless of race, social standing or religious belief. His burial was held January 19th at Restever Memorial Park in Bryan, Texas. A memorial celebration of Walter’s life is scheduled for 3:30pm on Sunday, January 25th at Friends Congregational Church, 2200 Southwood Drive, College Station. Cremation and service arrangements are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral Home and Crematory.
Walter was born in Coffeyville, Kansas in 1930. His family relocated to Aransas Pass, Texas where he lived until he was 21. Walter’s enjoyment of classical music and opera began in high school while learning to play the trombone. He served in the US Navy, 1951-1956, in the Navy band. During his final tour in Boston, Walter met his beloved Rhoda. They married June 2, 1956. The couple moved to College Station, Texas where Walter earned a BS from Texas A&M University, 1961. Walter retired from the Soil Conservation Service in 1993 after 42 years of service in west Texas. He and Rhoda made Bryan their home in 2003 to be near children and grandchildren. To their four children and spouses: Lawrence and Jill, John and Kent, Carol and Jody, Nancy and Kelly, Walter was a mentor and ardent supporter. To his grandchildren: Jonathan, Elizabeth, Harrison, Andrew, Lauren, and Emma, he was a gentle playmate, a family leader, and an amazing waffle chef. Jean and Jim Elfers, Walter’s “Dearie” sister and brother-in-law, live locally. To his four nieces, four nephews and multitudes more Walter Bertsch was a loving uncle, friend and advocate.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to Hospice Brazos Valley Inpatient Care Facility, Bryan Texas; Friends Congregational Church; or your charity of choice.
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Rhoda: So sorry for you loss. I know that you and Walter had a long happy marriage and a wonderful family. So sorry for Lawrence, John, Carol, and Nancy in the loss of their dad.
May you lean on God , family and friends in the days and weeks to come.
Alvin & Elaine Riddle
Rhoda:
So sorry for you loss. I know that you and Walter had a long happy marriage and a wonderful family. So sorry for Lawrence, John, Carol, and Nancy in the loss of their dad.
May you lean on God , family and friends in the days and weeks to come.
Alvin & Elaine Riddle
I knew Walter 30 years ago when he was District Conservationist for SCS at Seminole and I was the public information officer here in Temple. I worked with him a few times and learned to admire and appreciate him because of his professionalism, honesty, and integrity. May God bless you and the family and bring you peace.
Dale D. Allen, Temple
I am saddened to learn of Walter’s passing. He was a great employee and worked real well with the clients of SCS that he worked with. I enjoyed you as you attended our annual reunions at New Braunfels. May the Lord bless and strengthen you.
Marion and Audrey Porter
Hearing the news about Walter was a shock to me as he was a dear friend as well as a fellow SCSer. I have a lot of memories of working with Walter in the Seminole and Andrews area. I will certainly miss his firm handshake and sincere greeting every time we met. We wish to extend our sincere condolences to Walter’s entire family. Our prayers are with you.
Charles and Annagene Mickelson
we will always remember the tall Texan with that warm and wonderful smile the times we spent with you both were short but unforgettable will remember him always with love and affection we are family ! Meryle and Marvin (mendy)
Carol, so sorry for your loss. Condolences and prayers for you and your family.
My dear cousins,
Rhoda, Lawrence, John, Carol and Nancy:
I am thinking of you all in your time of sorrow. I know you will draw on each other’s strength as you deal with this difficult time. I will always remember Walter’s kind and gentle manner from the my first childhood memories until the last time we were all gathered together.
All my love to you,
Amy
Also please accept the sincere sympathy of Dave as well as my dad who are both so very saddened to hear of your loss.
Rhoda, Carol, and family, so sorry for your loss. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers.
So sorry for your loss. Our thoughts and prayers with you and your family.
Love,
Alexander family – Mimi, Mark, Mitch, Morgan
Barbara Wingate