Neil Martin Bertelsen (Bert) 1924-2011
Neil Bertelsen, surrounded by his family and loving wife, Phyllis (Pete), passed away peacefully at his home on June 18, 2011.
He was the fourth child of Nels & Kathleen (O'Neill) Bertelsen. Bert was born in Bowbells, N.D. moving to the Flathead Valley when he was 11 years old.
Bert graduated from Flathead High School in 1943 where he earned honors in three sports and was captain of the football team his senior year. As a member of the Civil Air Patrol Neil earned his pilot's license before high school graduation. He joined the Army Air Corps serving as a pilot from 1943 - 1946 during World War II. After Neil's discharge from the service, he met and married Phyllis Arlene Peterson in Kalispell on October 27 th 1946. Together they raised four children; Kathy Jo, Steven Neil, Georgina Kay, & Laurie Ann. Bert and Pete would have celebrated their 65 th anniversary in October.
Neil loved sports and passed this passion on to his family. He served as a basketball referee and enjoyed playing town league baseball and men's volleyball. Later he was a loyal Loggers fan and followed the athletic careers of his son and grandchildren.
Bert excelled in multiple careers. He was a successful pilot operating a charter business and teaching many Libby residents to fly. He worked as a carpenter by day and a Hamilton Bonds salesman by evening. Neil spent 41 years in the insurance business as an agent for Farmer's Insurance. Bert and Pete built and operated A&W Root Beer Franchises in Libby, Kalispell and Colombia Falls. Bert was a visionary and found his calling when he entered the real estate business. Bert and Pete built their retirement home at Crystal Lake where they continued in the real estate and development business. They entertained friends and family at the lake and traveled extensively. Bert's favorites were the Mystery Tours, River Boat trips, and Hawaii.
One of Pete and Bert's favorite pastimes was burning up the dance floor. Bert was a 50 year member of the Elks and 60 year member of the American Legion. Mr. B. enjoyed pheasant hunting, perch fishing, ice skating, and four wheeling at the lake. He loved golfing, even without a backswing to speak of, and snow skiing trips with family and life long friends. He was always up for a good wager, whether it was the horse races or a card game, especially cribbage or fire hall poker.
Bert is survived by one sister, Minrada Lemmons of California, his wife Phyllis, his children Kathy (Yusef) Quidwai of Omak, WA., Steve (Deb) Bertelsen, and Georgina (Dennis) Woody of Libby, and Laurie (Mark) Salo of Bozeman. Grandchildren: Aliya Quidwai, Keevin & Steven Bertelsen, Shannon, Alaena & Jimmy Woody, Whitney & Jordan Salo and nine great grandchildren. Bert was preceeded in death by his parents, three brothers & two sisters.
Bert and Pete were role models for our family teaching us the meaning of unconditional love and true commitment. We are proud to call Neil Bertelsen our Dad. Visitation will be Friday, June 24th from 3:00 – 8:00 p.m. at Buffalo Hill Funeral Home. Please join the family in a celebration of his life on Saturday, June 25th at 1:00 p.m. at the funeral home with burial to follow at Glacier Memorial Gardens. A gathering for friends and family will take place at the Elks Lodge at 3:00 p.m.