William Thomas Bertram's Obituary
William Thomas "Bill" Bertram, 78, of Martinsville, IL passed away at 8:58 p.m. on Sunday, August 16, 2015 at Union Hospital, Terre Haute, IN. He was born on October 19, 1936 in Chicago, IL, the son of Russell T. Bertram and Clara Ellen Kitchen Bertram. On February 28, 1965, he married Carolyn Gail Biermann in Westfield, IL. Survivors include his wife of 50 years, Carolyn Bertram of Martinsville, IL; son, William C. Bertram and wife Deb of Martinsville, IL; daughter, Sara Brandenburg and husband Phillip of Casey, IL; grandchildren, Autumn Nicole "Niki" Brandenburg, Levi Cole Brandenburg, Justin Rush Bertram and Kiersten Rose Bertram; sisters, Barbara Bright and husband Terry of FL and Judy Young of CA; and many nieces, nephews and cousins, including special niece, Teri Wilson of Martinsville, IL. He was preceded by his parents and brother, Ted Bertram. William was a retired Illinois Conservation Police Officer and served in the US Navy during the Korean War on the USS Iowa. He was a member of the Martinsville First Christian Church and the Central States Archeological Society. He was well known for his knowledge of Pre-Columbian Indian cultures and gave many interesting talks in various communities. Bill was a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He was a man of great integrity and personality and was loved by all. As said by Bill's colleagues and superiors, he was one of the greatest conservation officers the department ever had. Bill was also said to be the greatest example to young people as to what an officer and individual should be. He was always kind and made it a point to pay attention to young people, helping to build their self-esteem. Visitation will be held from 4 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, August 20, 2015 at the Greenwell Funeral Home, 30 N. Washington St., Martinsville, IL. Private funeral services and burial will be held at a later time with military rites by the Martinsville American Legion. Memorial donation may be made to the Riley Hospital for Children, 30 South Meridian Street, Suite 200, Indianapolis, IN 46204. To view the full obituary, send a condolence message, light a candle or post photos, visit www.markwellfuneralhome.com. Greenwell Funeral Home of Martinsville, IL is in charge of the arrangements. Private family services and burial. SERVICES Visitation Thursday, August 20, 2015 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM Greenwell Funeral Home , Service Private family services and burial.
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