Donald C. Bertelsen of Missouri Valley, Iowa passed away on February 7, 2016 at the age of 85 years, 8 months and 13 days . He was born May 25, 1930 to Hans Carl (Charley) and Irene (Axtell) Bertelsen in Council Bluffs, Iowa. Upon graduation as Valedictorian from Beebeetown High School, Donald served in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Korean Conflict. Upon discharge on January 28th, 1953 he returned to the family farm in Honey Creek, Iowa where he farmed and raised livestock. Donald also worked on the Chicago Northwestern and Union Pacific railroads for 31 years before retiring. Don was a faithful member of the Church of Christ (Christian Church). He served as an Elder, Sunday School Teacher, and was always available to serve. Donald is survived by wife, Loretta (Spires) Bertelsen. Donald and Loretta were married in Missouri Valley, IA on March 7, 1951. Their marriage blessed them with seven children: Patti Bertelsen of Missouri Valley; Peggy and husband Gary Smiley of Imogene, IA; Pamela and husband Gene Gochenour of Mondamin, IA; David and wife Diane Bertelsen of Missouri Valley, IA; Donna Peters of Lubbock, Texas; Debra and husband Kurt von Sternberg of Omaha, NE; and Laurie and husband Mike Cooper of Primghar, IA; 22 grandchildren: Travis (Anne) Smiley, Dustin Smiley, Brad Smiley, Jill (Ted) Radloff, Jewel (Craig) Anspaugh, Jolene (Josh) Caldwell, Janelle (Matthew) Escalante, Jeena (Wyatt) Hall, Jessy Gochenour, Douglas (Cindy) Bertelsen, Dawn (Nick) Kuster, Devin (Christy Barge) Bertelsen, Andrew (Melissa) Lawver, Kaitlin Lawver, Matt Peters, Joshua Stone, Jacob (Kathryn) Stone, Molly (Michael) Newman, Liz (Brandon) Wittrock, Staci (Turner) Hicks, Stefan Cooper, and Erin Cooper; and 24 great-grandchildren. Donald is also survived by sister, Estella Witt of Honey Creek; brother, Calvin (Wilma) Bertelsen of Logan; Sisters-in-laws Judy (Jerry) Guinan, Roberta Spires, and Nancy Dinsmore. Donald was preceded in death by his parents; sisters Elsie Watson and Betty Gunderson; son-in-law Mike Peters, brothers in law: Gene Dinsmore and Robert Spires. Visitation will be held at the Missouri Valley Christian Church on Tuesday February 9th from 6 to 8 p.m., with prayer service at 6:30 p.m. Memorials may be directed to Missouri Valley Christian Church, as Donalds faith was an important part of his life. In Loving Memory Of Donald Charles Bertelsen Born May 25, 1930 Council Bluffs, Iowa Entered Into Rest February 7, 2016 Omaha, Nebraska Funeral Service 11:00 a.m. Wednesday, February 9, 2016 Christian Church Missouri Valley, Iowa Officiating Pastor Craig Wininger Son-in Law Michael Cooper Musicians Tonya Wininger and De Loehr Congregation Hymns Great Is Thy Faithfulness Page 139 To God Be The Glory Page 56 Casket Bearers Doug Bertelsen Jake Stone Stefan Cooper Travis Smiley Ted Radloff Andrew Lawver Final Resting Place 2:00 p.m. Wednesday Grange Cemetery ~ Honey Creek, Iowa Military Honors will be conducted by the Julius F. Muller Legion Post #337 of Missouri Valley, Iowa.
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