John Bertsch, 83, Minot, died Tuesday, November 20, 2018 at home.

John Marvin Bertsch, 83, Minot, passed away Tuesday, November 20, 2018, at home. John was born on June 5, 1935 in Silva, North Dakota to Andrew and Margaret (Kunnanz) Bertsch. He attended country schools and graduated from Filmore High School in 1954. Following graduation he was inducted in the US Army, faithfully serving in the Korean army assignment.  He was honorably discharged in 1956. He continued to serve the country with 20 years in the Army Reserves and 25 years with civil service at MAFB. He received many awards and medals for his service.

John married Janet Eileen Stark on June 13, 1959 at Little Flower Catholic Church of Minot. They spent a year in Conrad, MT where John began his career in mechanics. John and Janet moved back to Minot in 1961 and raised their family of three children and have since resided in Minot. In addition to military service he owned a Phillips 66 service station, worked at MSU, UPS and numerous part time jobs after retirement.

John created countless memories hunting, fishing, gardening, having cookouts and snowmobiling with his family. Couples dancing was a favorite for John and Janet. It was important to him to ensure one special camping trip with his family each year. He enjoyed playing cards with friends and family throughout the state in various tournaments. John and Janet went on trips with family to Hawaii, Germany, and Austria. They are also members of K of C's, Moose Club, and Eagles. He took pride in participating in the North Dakota State Fair parade driving either his restored John Deere or his Farmall tractor. John was known for reading Louis L'amour books and having coffee in the mornings with his friends at Harley's. In his later years he found happiness spending time with his grandchildren and great grandchildren. He liked giving rides to them and Little Louie with his tractor and scooter.

He is survived by his wife, Janet of 59 years; children, Michael Dean (Paula) Bertsch, Monument, CO, Karla Jean (Wade) Nelson, Minot, Randy Jon (Tracy) Bertsch, Minot; four grandchildren, Dakota (Kami) MacIver, Sheyenne (Myles) Hanson, MacKinzy MacIver, Hunter (Taylor Milbrath) Bertsch ; four great grandchildren, Haydon and Mylton Hanson, Lucille MacIver and Waylon Milbrath; brother, Dennis (Ella) Bertsch, Minot and sister, Catherine Holzer, Minot.

John was preceded in death by his parents; brothers Sebastian, Joe, Edward, and Albert; sister Margaret Tryhus.

Mass of Christian Burial: Monday, November 26, 2018 at 10:30 a.m. in St. John the Apostle Catholic Church, Minot.

Visitation: Sunday, November 25, 2018 from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.

Prayer Service: Sunday, November 25, 2018 at 6:30 in the funeral home.
Bertsch Flower Pictures