Jack Bertelson

Link for Zooming the Funeral on Monday

https://boxcast.tv/view/jack-bertelson—funeral-905372

Jack Dale Bertelson, age 88, died November 17, 2020, at his home with his wife, Eloise, at his side. He was born November 28, 1931, at the family home in Willow Park in Missouri Valley, Iowa to Jim and Lily Bertelson. He was the first Bertelson male to reach 88 years of age. Jack attended Missouri Valley High School, during which time he played football, basketball, held the school record in pole vault for many years, and met the love of his life. He graduated in 1949, and married his high school sweetheart, Eloise Marie Kierscht, in 1951. The epitome of the American dream, Jack was a self-made man, becoming a successful businessman and farmer. He was one of the first independent fertilizer dealers in the nation when he started Valley Fertilizer in 1953 and one of the last when he sold the business to Terra Corp in 1992. Active in the community he was a volunteer policeman, volunteer fireman and elected to the City Council as well as the Church Council for St. Paul Lutheran Church. He also served on the First National Bank Board of Directors (now Mid-States Bank) for many years. In 1960, the Jack Bertelson Family moved into their new home on Snyder Street which remains the center for family gatherings. Together they raised four children: Amy, Kim, Tammie, and Teresa and were instrumental in shaping the lives of their five grandchildren. In the 1970s and 80s, Jack and Eloise were involved in the sponsorship of bringing two families from Laos and Hungary to the United States. They feel fortunate to have heard from family members of both families within the past year. Jack loved the outdoors, as a hunter and fisherman, a golfer and tennis player and as an accomplished farmer. In 1978, he built a tennis court in the backyard of the family home and welcomed countless numbers of tennis players from the community. Jack also traveled extensively throughout the US and Asia, as well as to Mexico, the Caribbean, Canada, England, Scotland, Wales, and Slovakia with his wife Eloise. He spent time every summer with his large extended family at Bertelson Corner in Bemidji, Minnesota. They also spent over 20 years wintering in Surprise, Arizona. A well-respected man, Jack was always willing to help out. Devoted to his family, they could always count on him in whatever they chose to do. Although slowed by age in recent years, he was always physically active, helping someone with a project, teaching his grandchildren to fish and farm. Jack had a great love for babies. He and Eloise spent over 20 years at the local high school in Surprise, Arizona volunteering in the day care program for infants and toddlers, allowing teenage parents to earn their high school diploma. Additionally, Jack was always willing to babysit his grandchildren and the children and grandchildren of countless other friends and acquaintances. He embroidered blocks for more than 75 baby quilts that were given to nieces, nephews, and close friends. He enjoyed playing Santa for many years for friends, family, and occasionally strangers. Jack enjoyed people, he was always happy to see everyone and loved making people laugh. He was a unique problem solver and would tackle any project around the house.

Jack was preceded in death by his parents, three sisters: Beverly June, Thordis, and Lucille, two brothers: Gene and Jerry, one nephew: Jimmy, a daughter-in-law: Jan, and countless close friends.

He is survived by his wife, Eloise, and his children: Dr. Amy Bertelson (Dr. David Clark), son Kim Bertelson (Liza), daughter Dr. Tammie Bertelson, daughter Teresa Bertelson (Tim Watson), Grandsons: Nicholas (Molly), Noah (MaKayla), and Tory (Carlee), Granddaughters: Racine and Lyra, two Great Granddaughters: Lillie and Magnolia, Sisters: Carole, Jo Ann, and Judy, and countless other loving relatives and friends.

Visitation will be held on Sunday, November 22, 2020 from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Hennessey Funeral Home in Missouri Valley, Iowa.

The family would like memorials to go to Missouri Valley Fire Department, Harrison County Food Pantry or St. Paul Lutheran Church .

In Loving Memory Of Jack Dale Bertelson

Celebration of Life Service

1:00 p.m. Monday, November 23, 2020 Hennessey Funeral Home Missouri Valley, Iowa

Officiating

Dr. Glen Sherwood Pastor Jean McCartney

Vocalists Mike and Brit Liljedahl Organist Kris Gash

Vocal Selections

“The Old Rugged Cross” “Wind Beneath my Wings”

“Jesus Loves the Little Children”

Honorary Casket Bearers

William (Pete) Cunard Tom McIntosh

Noel Mumm Auggie Munoz

Don Johnson

The family regrets that due to COVID-19 restrictions they are unable to provide and share a meal with you.

Thank you for your love and support.

Family Chain By Ron Tranmer

We little knew that morning, God was going to call your name. In life we loved your dearly, In death we do the same. It broke our hearts to lose you, You did not go alone, For part of us went with you, the day God called you home. You left us beautiful memories, Your love is still our guide And though we cannot see you, You are always by our side. Our family chain is broken And nothing seems the same But as God calls us one by one The chain will link again.

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12 Comments

  • Marty Stowell Posted November 20, 2020 6:11 pm

    So sorry to hear this. Jack was so much fun to be around. He made people feel like family. Prayers to Eloise and the family.

  • Sally Marshall Posted November 21, 2020 2:19 pm

    To the Bertelson family, you’re in my thoughts and prayers. Jack was just an awesome person, he will be missed by many. Touched many lives. I have so many great memories.

  • Karen Fulfs Anderson Posted November 22, 2020 10:16 am

    So sorry for the families loss. Jack was truly a wonderful person. May he Rest In Peace.

  • Patricia Hofmeister Posted November 22, 2020 7:09 pm

    I so sorry for your loss. There are good memories of Jack and his joy of life. I have good memories of both Jack and Jerry when Valley Fertilizer was around, some card playing, etc. and always laughter. He had an unique ability to find good deals and take risks when no one else would or did, which ultimately rewarded good financial gains. Sometimes Jack would stop and see me just to talk about whatever was on his mind, I always found enjoyed. A life well lived.

  • Julie Haner Posted November 23, 2020 7:53 am

    So sorry to hear about Jack. We hope your memories comfort you and your family. Prayers to Eloise and family. George and Julie Haner

  • Jennifer Mumm Posted November 23, 2020 8:25 am

    I have missed and will continue to miss Jack stopping in to see me. We finally got rid of his favorite chair, which we had named Jack. Jack was always so good with us when we were kids. You guys were so patient with us tearing up and down the rows in your garden. I love that my kids, especially Junior, got the chance to know him too. He was a beautiful spirit. Our thoughts are with you.

  • Connie Campbell Posted November 23, 2020 11:49 am

    I am so sorry to hear of Jack’s passing. My thoughts and prayers are with all of you.

  • Shelly Cunard Martin Posted November 23, 2020 12:37 pm

    Prayers for the entire Bertelson Family!
    Jack was such a fun, caring, and loving person. Everyone that knew him, he touched and they will greatly miss him.
    I have such great high school memories, are around their family table more times than I can count.
    Went Minnesota with them 2 years. We sang “Ain’t No Flies on Us” on the way up.
    Once there Jack made his famous “greasy pancakes “ (those are pancakes fried in oil) lol.
    So many awesome memories, I have baby pictures of my girls and grand kids on Jack’s knee.
    What a great man!
    Will see you in Heaven one day!!!

  • Kent and Dixie Thomas Posted November 23, 2020 3:02 pm

    Jack’s passing is a great loss for not only the farming community but the Missouri Valley community in general.

  • John & Charlotte Burbridge Posted November 24, 2020 3:17 pm

    So sorry for your loss, he was a good businessman and enjoyed being a customer of Valley Fertilizer.

  • Travis Baker Posted November 28, 2020 10:23 am

    What a Great Man Jack was His Daugher Teresa and Tim and Grandson Noah and MaKayla and Tory and Carlee Waston all go to my church what great guy

  • Jim & Vicki Osweiler Posted November 28, 2020 1:11 pm

    Our deepest sympathy to the family. Jack will be missed. We have such wonderful memories of being on the tennis court and always laughing and trying to be as crafty on the court as Jack was. Those were such special times. He touched our lives as he did so many people! He was a great man and will be missed by many.

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