Robert Charles Bertelson

Robert (Shorty) Charles Bertelson, 82, formerly of Charles City, died peacefully the morning of Sunday, February 14, 2010, at the Osage Rehabilitation and Care Center, after battling Alzheimer's and recently, mini strokes. A small, private memorial service will be held in Osage for Shorty's family. A musical celebration of Shorty's life will be held at the Charles City VFW on March 27, 2010. Robert was born on October 11, 1927, in Olmstead County, MN. Though originally named Frederick Charles Henry, he was soon thereafter adopted by his aunt and uncle, Sylvia and Carl Bertelson. He graduated Fort Atkinson High School in 1947. Shorty served in the Army two years during the Korean War. He was issued many medals and was honorably discharged. He returned to work at Oliver Tractor in Charles City and retired after 34 years with White Farm Equipment. He then became a locksmith serving area towns. In 2005, he received recognition by the Charles City Chamber of Commerce for 25 years in business. In 1953, he married Maxine Moser, and to this union one son, Victor, was born. His young wife died at age 24 from diabetes. In 1961, he married Barbara Nehls, and to this union were two daughters, Connie and Jean. In 1974, he married Donna Head, and on March 4th, they would have celebrated 36 years together. Shorty had many hobbies. He had been a scout leader, and loved fishing, boating, and camping. He enjoyed playing in local pool leagues. His Sundays were spent watching NASCAR, cheering on Dale and later Jr. He also spent many hours bird watching at his and Donna's home at North Iowa Street in Charles City - the cardinal being his favorite. He was a member of the VFW for over 30 years and a member of the American Legion. He also enjoyed arguing politics with his son. Music was always a very important part of Shorty's life. He played coronet in school and followed the big band sound locally. He later learned to play the accordion. He was an excellent dancer and "loved both kinds of music - country AND western," as he put it. He never missed a dance and was considered an honorary member of both the "Country Blue Boys & Linda Sue" and "Wichita" bands. He especially loved the sound of the steel guitar. One of Shorty's favorite summer pastimes was going to Party in the Park and listening to "Endless Summer". He was a long time member of the Reba McEntire fan club, meeting her several times. Left to mourn his passing are his wife, Donna Mae of 820 Ash Street in Osage, son Victor Charles Bertelson, Norfolk, VA, daughters Connie Farrell Loesch, Stewartville, MN, and Jean (Lydia) Adams, Fairmont, MN. Stepdaughters: Linda Sue Baker, Osage, Deb (Tom) Clark, Osage, and Barbara Garbes, Clear Lake. Nine grandchildren: Christie and Kayla Bertelson, Fort Worth, TX, Jeannie Sue, Vickie, Eric, and Melinda Bertelson, Norfolk, VA, Michael (Michelle) Farrell, Norfolk, VA, Joshua Farrell, Austin, MN, and Ashley Adams, Fairmont, MN. He is survived by three step grandchildren: Tracie Garbes, Clear Lake, Adam (Nicole) Clark, Osage, Dustin Clark (special friend Whitney Chambers), Waterloo, six great grandchildren, and his life-long friend Paul Doubek of Ft. Atkinson.