Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
He was born in South Bend, to Gilbert and Nettie Bertsch. He married June, his wife of 67 years, in 1943. He was a U.S. Army veteran who fought for several years in the Pacific theater during World War II. He and June lived in Warsaw for many years until moving to Durham to be closer to their daughter and grandson. He and June founded Bertsch Vending Co., in 1948 and owned it until selling in 2009. He was active in the National Automatic Merchandising Association, serving as chairman of the board in 1976; and was chairman and charter member of the Board of Governors of the Indiana Vending Council. He was a dedicated citizen of his community and a member of various organizations, including the Rotary, Shrine, Masons and United Methodist Church. He received many accolades, including being named “Man of the Year” by the Warsaw Chamber of Commerce in 1981; “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Ernst and Young in 2001; and the “Man of the Century” by the Indiana Vending Council in 2000. Along the way he found time to run a fertilizer company, participate in the building of the Holiday Inn, run the Wagon Wheel Playhouse and become part owner of a paper cup factory in South Carolina. He was a wonderful husband, father and grandfather and would probably want to be most remembered for starting a charitable foundation to help those who have less. Surviving are a daughter, Dianne Leslie Bertsch; a grandson, Jordan Christopher Shamp; and his granddaughter-in-law, Mindy Leigh Shamp. There will be a service in Warsaw at a later date. Walker’s Funeral Home, 120 W. Franklin St., Chapel Hill, N.C., is in charge of arrangements. ***** Memorials may be made to the Salvation Army, P.O. Box 175, Warsaw, IN 46581. Condolences may be sent via www.walkersfuneralservice.com
