Freeman J. (Bert) Bertelsen Tabor, Iowa Obituary

Freeman J. (Bert) Bertelsen

On Thursday, August 15, 2019, Freeman James (Bert) Bertelsen, loving husband, father and grandfather passed away at the age of 82 surrounded by his family. Freeman was born March 20, 1937 in Council Bluffs, IA to Margaret (Rommel) Bertelsen Winkler and Edwin Peter Bertelsen. He attended school in Tabor, IA and graduated from Tabor High School. On June 16, 1957 he married Sandra Deon Queen, his high school sweetheart and raised three children: Kimberlee Deon, Mark Edwin, and James Kirk (Jamie). He and Sandra lived in Tabor, IA for 32 years. Freeman spent over 42 years at the Omaha Stockyards where he was head hog salesman for Star Commission Company. He also served a term as President of the Omaha Livestock Exchange. In 1989, he and Sandra moved to Thurman, IA where they purchased and operated ‘The Plum Creek Inn and Cottage Bed and Breakfast’. In 2002 they moved to Brownville, NE where they purchased and operated the Pierce Cottage and Deer Run Suites Bed & Breakfast. They both loved hosting B&B guests and were well known for their wonderful breakfasts and dinners. In 2017, Freeman and Sandra moved to Papillion, NE to be closer to family. Freeman was known for his humor, sparkling blue eyes and his kind and compassionate spirit. It wasn’t unusual for neighborhood children in Tabor to knock on the door to see if Freeman could come out and “play”. He loved teaching the children football skills, giving advice about driving skills and offering encouragement in all aspects of life. Freeman was preceded in death by his father Edwin, his mother Margaret, and his infant son Scott Edwin. He is survived by his beloved wife of 62 years Sandra, and his children Kimberlee (Bertelsen) Johnson and husband Greg Pella of Lincoln, NE; Mark Bertelsen and wife Melissa of Papillion, NE, and son Jamie and wife Connie of Springfield, NE. He is also survived by 11 grandchildren Dane Johnson and Mary McCandless of Papillion, NE; Lauren (Johnson) Wymore and husband Nick of Ely, IA; Drew Johnson of Lincoln, NE; Max Johnson and wife Ashton of Cedar Rapids, IA; Marcus Johnson and Sakia Fields of Lincoln, NE; Matthew Bertelsen and wife Sarah of Ralston, NE; Chloe Bertelsen and Mark (Christian) Bertelsen of Papillion, NE; Layna Stanley and husband Evan of Glenwood, IA; Tom Bertelsen of Colorado Springs, CO; and Hillary Bertelsen of Papillion, NE. Great grandchildren include Parker James Johnson; Jude Freeman, Ethan James and Louis Avery Wymore; Henry Freeman Bertelsen; Deagan James Stanley, Berkley Lynn Stanley; and Zachary Lee Bertelsen. Sister Jane (Winkler) Dwornicki and husband Frank of Ralston, NE and brother Kenneth Winkler and wife Barbara of Sidney, IA, Sister-in-law Lynda Jensen, of Olathe, KS. Numerous beloved nieces, nephews, friends and neighbors. Memorial services will be 11:00 AM Wednesday August 21, 2019 at the United Methodist Church in Tabor, IA with Rev. Jan Phillips and Mr. Gary Moles officiating. Visitation with the family greeting friends will be from 10:00 AM to 11:00 AM Wednesday at the Church. In lieu of flowers, memorials will go to the Bartlett Community Church Building Fund. There will be private disposition of ashes at a later time. The Crawford-Marshall Funeral Chapel in Tabor, IA is in charge of arrangements.
March 20, 1937 - August 15, 201903/20/193708/15/2019
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Teresa Walker
August 20, 2019
Dear Sandra and family: Phil and I were so sorry to hear the news of Freeman's passing.
Oh what a joy he was and what fun we had when he lived in Brownville. We will miss him too.
All our sympathies go out to you. Phil and Teresa Walker, Brownville
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Terry Eaton
August 20, 2019
FREEMAN WAS A COMMUNITY ADVOCATE WHOS HEART AND SOUL WAS FOR THE WEFARE OF TABOR RIP
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Ron Ames
August 19, 2019
I met Bert through his Son Mark several times. He was a wonderful man, deeply loved by Mark, and duly proud of all Mark had accomplished. I will miss seeing him around Mark’s business from time to time. God Bless Mark and his family and God Speed Bert. Ron Ames
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Kathy Goebel
August 19, 2019
Dear Sandra and family, We mourn with you for the loss of a great guy who always made people feel special and knew how to make people laugh and admittedly cringe a little at times! He truly was unforgettably special. I remember him bumping his head on our low ceiling ... Continue Reading
Dennis Hockabout Sr
August 19, 2019
So sorry for your loss as Freeman was a good guy So long old friend Gone but not forgotten
God Bless
C
Cindi Hron
August 18, 2019
How I met Bert The Stockyards was a fascinating place. I can see why a young man looking for work would be drawn to this place and be willing to give up other employment opportunities to work in the Stockyard’s unique community. I happened upon the Stockyards by luc... Continue Reading
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Funeral Home Owner
August 18, 2019
+ 2
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Felicia
August 18, 2019
He will be missed dearly. I did Freeman and Sandra 's hair for a few years while they lived in Brownville. Haven't seen them for sometime Always enjoyed his smiling face and loved listening to his stories. What a happy soul with a big heart. We had lots of laughs togeth... Continue Reading
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Dale Hampton
August 18, 2019
I am so saddened to hear the news. There will be lots of nice things said about him this week and it will all be so so true. Great husband, father, grandfather, true friend and mentor. Lots of great memories.
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Steve Richardson
August 17, 2019
To “Berts” family,
So sorry for your loss. He was a great mentor.
Steve Richardson and Family