Iona Bertels
Dorsey | Save
From her home of many years, where she so often kept a watchful and caring eye over her family and the town, Iona M. Bertels now keeps that same gentle watch from above. She passed away peacefully on Friday, April 24, 2026, in Alton, IL.
Born on August 26, 1931, in rural Bunker Hill, the eldest child of William F. and Pearl M. (Meyer) Hillebrand, grew up taking on the responsibilities of farm and family that would shape her into the strong, determined, and independent woman she became.
Iona was baptized, confirmed, and married at St Peter’s Lutheran Church in Prairietown. After an initial chance meeting with Arnold at a dance in Bethalto, Iona May Hillebrand and Arnold R. Bertels chose an exceptionally warm summer day on the 27th of August in 1955 to be married. Together, they built a home on the family farm in Dorsey, where they raised five children and worked side by side until Arnold’s death on April 16, 2004. She took great pride in living independently on the farm until the age of 94.
Iona was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother who balanced caring for the home and children with the many demands of farm life. Her talents included driving tractors, tending the livestock, working the fields, baling hay, and running for parts. She found joy in the simple, meaningful moments of life: tending to her garden, canning its harvest, watching the birds, driving the countryside, dancing to polkas, taking bus trips, and making her famous coconut cream pies.
Iona was a faithful member of Emmaus Lutheran Church in Dorsey where she was involved in the Altar Guild and church luncheons. She volunteered at the Dorsey Community Improvement Association, where she could often be found behind the pie table at the chicken dinners or serving her prize winning chili at the cook-offs.
Her greatest pride was her family. She is survived by her five children, Cindy (Kim) Spaits, Diane Eastman, Connie Corby, Kerry (Jill) Bertels, and Glen (Dawn) Bertels; twelve grandchildren, Kelsey, Lindsey, Lucas, Beth, Carl, Lauren, Jordan, Eric, Kurt, Mark, Caleb, and Ike; and 13 great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents and her husband Arnold, she was preceded in death by her brother, Marvin (Dorothy) Hillebrand; and infant sister, Darlene Hillebrand; an infant brother, Wilbur Hillebrand; and her son-in-law Lawrence Eastman.
Iona’s legacy is one of resilience, generosity, faith, and unwavering love for her family. She will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew her.
Visitation will be held on Friday, May 1, 2026, from 4 to 7 pm at Elias, Kallal, and Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto, IL; and then continue at Emmaus Lutheran Church in Dorsey, IL on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 10 am until time of service at 11 am.
Burial to follow at Emmaus Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Emmaus Lutheran Church.
Memorials are suggested to Emmaus Lutheran Church.
Online condolences and guestbook may be found at www.eliaskallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
