Robert ‘Bob’ Earl Bertke

Robert “Bob” Bertke, 94, passed away July 3, 2019. He was born on July 30, 1924, in Norvell, Mich., to Herbert and Minnie Louise (Schaufele) Bertke. Bob married the love of his life, Dorothy Austin, on December 1, 1947, in Brooklyn, Mich.

Bob served honorably in the U.S. Army in World War II (1943-1946) serving overseas in Rhineland and Central Europe, receiving a Good Conduct Medal and Victory Medal. He also received the American Theater Ribbon, European–African–Middle Eastern Theater Ribbon with two Bronze Battle Stars and one Overseas Service Bar.

Bob enjoyed traveling for many years to Florida; going to his cabin in Northern Michigan where he enjoyed hunting and fishing. He had the honor of being invited to visit Washington D.C. with the Talons Out Honor Flight accompanied with his daughter, Brenda. Bob visited many monuments including the WW II memorial, especially enjoying his visit to Arlington National Cemetery and witnessing the “changing of the guard”. He enjoyed his daily visit to the Brooklyn American Legion and Irish Hills Eagles to socialize with his friends and his favorite bartenders along with playing his favorite pull tabs. Bob will be greatly missed by his family and his treasured American Legion family. He will be remembered for his sense of humor, quick wit and his ever famous “one liners.”

Bob is survived by his children, Patricia (Kenneth) Brier of Colorado Springs, Co., Brenda (Keith) Schultz and Roger Bertke of Brooklyn; 12 grandchildren, 21 great-grandchildren. Robert was preceded in death by his wife, parents and sisters, Virginia Sutton and Inea Wilkinson.

Bob’s Family and friends gathered together on, Saturday, July 6, 2019, from 3-7 p.m., at Borek Jennings Funeral Home, Braun Chapel, in Brooklyn, Mich. Bob’s farewell service was held on Sunday, July 7, 2019, at 1 p.m. until the time of service at 2 p.m. Pastor Jeff Sheeks officiating. In Robert’s honor, memorial contributions may be directed to the Brooklyn American Legion Post #315 or the American Legion Auxiliary #315. Please sign Bob’s guestbook at www.borekjennings.com or leave a message of comfort for his family by calling 877-231-7900.