Richard J. Bertler, 84, of Cedarburg, a long-time resident of the Milwaukee area, died Mon. March 14, 2005 at his son's residence in West Bend.
He was born on May 21, 1920 in Milwaukee to the late Walter and Matilda (nee Bachmeier) Bertler. He married Mary Jane Kidwell on April 4, 1944 in St. Cloud, MN. She preceded him in death on May 10, 1983. He then married Clara Paquette-Bucholz on Feb. 14, 1985 in Sussex.
He served in the U.S. Army during WWII in Europe. He worked as a facilities planner for the Wisconsin Telephone Co. in Milwaukee for 42 years, retiring in 1983. After retirement he enjoyed traveling all over the U.S. and living in Naples, FL. He also lived in the LaCrosse area during the summer. He was a member of the Dairyland Pioneers and he also enjoyed making jewelry.
He is survived by his wife, Clara; six children, Barbara (Robert) Johnston of Onalaska, David (Mary) Bertler of Bayside, Dan (Sandy) Bertler of West Bend, Deborah Hauser of Brooklyn Park, MN, Therese (Curt) Clausing of Chippewa Falls, and Kathleen (Scott) Lehman of Slinger; four step-children, Chris (Pam) Bucholz of Thiensville, Charles (Kathy) Bucholz of Cedarburg, Leonard (Stephanie) Bucholz of Mesa, AZ; Ann (Phil) Fortino of Port Washington; 19 grandchildren; seven step-grandchildren; 15 great-grandchildren; other relatives and friends.
He was preceded in death by a son, Thomas Bertler, who was killed while serving in the U.S. Marine Corps during the Vietnam War; and a brother James Bertler.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held on Thur. March 17 at 6:30 p.m. at St. Francis Borgia Catholic Church, 1375 Covered Bridge Rd., Cedarburg, with Rev. Thomas Eichenberger officiating. Visitation will be at the church on Thur. from 4:00 p.m. until the time of service. Interment will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Mequon.
The family would like to express their gratitude to Heartland Home Hospice and especially case manager, Nancy Yerges.