Obituary of Ernie Bertschi Sr.

Ernie Bertschi Sr. of Camrose passed away on January 19, 2016 at the age of 80 years. Ernie Bertschi Sr. of Camrose passed away January 19, 2016 at the age of 80. He is survived by his wife of 57 years, Letha (Sawers); and children Lloyd (Lisa), Ed (Tammy), Allan (Shelley), Diane (Ken) Hoeve, and Ernie Jr.; ten grandchildren and one great grandchild. Ernie is survived by his brother Don, sister Peggy Mears, brother-in-law Gerald Zimmerman, and numerous nieces and nephews. He was predeceased by his parents Rene and Ida Bertschi, brother Eddie, sisters Ella Zimmerman, Alice Clarke, and nephews Jerry and Dennis Debnam. Ernie was the fifth of six children born to Rene and Ida Bertschi. He was raised on a dairy farm in the Avonroy district, east of Camrose. He learned to milk cows and operate farm machinery from an early age giving him a great work ethic and an appreciation for rural life. He moved to Camrose in 1957 where he met and married the love of his life Letha Sawers on October 11, 1958. Together they started Bertschi Construction in 1961. Ernie always said, "It is the only career where you start at the top and work your way to the bottom." Helping others was important to Ernie. In the winter he cleaned snow with his backhoe from the neighboring driveways and made fantastic snow hills in the playground. Ernie served the community as a volunteer fireman for 36 years where he made several lifelong friends. The business was sold in 1978 and he dedicated his retirement years to serving the community. Ernie was a passionate worker and supporter of the Camrose and Reynolds Museum, Irricana Pioneer Days, and the Alberta Prairie Rail steam train. He was proud to be part of the volunteer team to construct Grace Lutheran Church. He sat on the church board, refereed hockey and umpired softball. He also served as an Alderman for three terms. Each year for the past 50 years he looked forward to his annual fishing trip with his friends and sons. Ernie will be dearly missed and fondly remembered by his family and friends. A Time of Visitation and Prayer Service was held at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, January 21, 2016 from the Burgar Memorial Chapel. A Funeral Service was held at 2:00 p.m., Friday, January 22, 2016 from Grace Lutheran Church with Rev. Greg Kjos officiating. Inurnment has taken place in the Camrose Cemetery. Memorial donations are gratefully accepted to the Battle River Community Foundation Forever Remembered Fund, or Grace Lutheran Building Fund or to the charity of one's choice.