Jean Bertels
Dorsey |
Jean Annette (Buhs) Bertels of Dorsey, IL, passed away peacefully in her home at the age of 93 on December 1, 2023. She was the pillar of her family, a cherished mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose memory will forever remain in the hearts of those who love her.
Jean was born on July 5, 1930 (“a leftover firecracker”), in Alton, IL, to Ella (Meyer) and Edwin Buhs. She married Eldor Louis Bertels on July 22, 1950, at Trinity Lutheran Church in Alton, the same church in which she was Baptized and confirmed. Their marriage was one that serves as an aspiration for everyone who knew them.
Jean was an active member of Emmaus Lutheran Church in Dorsey during her adult life, teaching Sunday school for many years and singing in the choir until she was 70. Faith held a profound significance in her life, serving as the cornerstone upon which she lived her life and raised her family.
Jean was an avid reader and journaler who spent many hours learning about American history, watching and attending movies, sharing stories of her life and family heritage, reminiscing over pictures (especially of vacations out West), listening to music, and teaching her grandchildren to play Kings on the Corner and Rummy Royal. Above all, some of her favorite moments were those spent with her family, and the feeling is mutual.
Jean is survived by children Joan (Gary) Brown, Richard (Diana) Bertels, and Donna Oehler; sister Maxine (Paul) Sauerwein; brothers Larry (Sue) Buhs and Robert (Carol) Buhs; sister-in-law Lotus (Donald) Buhs; 12 grandchildren, and 30 great-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by her parents, beloved husband Eldor, son in law, James Oehler and brother Donald.
Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, December 6, 2023, at Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home in Bethalto, IL. Visitation will continue from 10:00 am until time of funeral service at 11:00 am on Thursday, December 7, 2023, at Emmaus Lutheran Church in Dorsey, IL with Pastor David Kern officiating. Burial will follow at Emmaus Cemetery in Dorsey, IL.
Memorials are suggested to Emmaus Lutheran Church and or VITAS Hospice.
Online condolences and guest book may be found at www.kallalandschaaf.com.
Elias, Kallal & Schaaf Funeral Home
