Monday, October 19, 2015

Atonement Lutheran Church

2915 Wright Avenue, Racine, WI

Visitation – 2:00 pm

Memorial Service – 3:00 pm

My name is Ronald Bertelsen. I was born into this world 77 years ago on March 31, 1938 to my proud parents, Viggo and Evelyn (Olsen) Bertelsen. They say my mom bribed the Doctor not to put April 1st on the birth certificate.

On October 6, 1962 I married the love of my life and best friend Dianne Bassinger.  I was blessed to celebrate our 53rd wedding Anniversary before my passing.  I thanked God in my last moments for giving me such a wonderful wife and caretaker.

During our marriage we had a son Cory (Cyndi) Bertelsen and a daughter Heidi (Brian) Thompson.  From there we were blessed with three grandchildren, Jayd Garcia, Hayden Garcia and Courtney Kilmer; and three great-grandchildren, Emmerie Kilmer and twins Cooper and Vivian Kilmer.   They have brought great joy to my life and were all there to support the journey of my last days. I was also blessed to have my sister Kaye, her husband Bob Schneider, and their children in my life.

I enjoyed hunting, fishing and woodworking.  I loved to use my hands and could fix anything.  I worked at Racine Hydraulics/Rexnord for 30 years before retiring. My family credits me for leading by example to be a great friend, loving spouse, and a father like no other.  I am told that I instilled in my children the meaning of family, hard work and the selfless ability to help others.

Without the support of my wife, family and lifelong friends I could not have made it this long in my life.  My last words were "I'm going to miss you guys".

My farewell will be at Atonement Lutheran Church at 3:00 p.m. on Monday October 19, 2015. Pastor Denise will officiate. You can visit with my family from 2:00 p.m. until the service. After the service, please join with my family at a buffet in my honor in the Fellowship Hall in Atonement Lutheran Church.

I would prefer memorials be made to Atonement Lutheran Church.