Elton C. Bertram

MT. PLEASANT - Elton Craig Bertram, 93, passed peaceful into the hands of God at All Saints Hospital in Racine, Wisconsin, September 1, 2017. Elton was born April 23, 1924 in Racine to the late Jesse and Myrtle (nee:  Young) Bertram.  Much of his childhood was spent with his siblings in Racine with many trips to Northern Illinois to visit both his maternal and paternal families. Elton graduated from Washington Park High in January of 1943 and, afterwards, enlisted in the Army Air Force.  After basic training in Texas, Elton was attached to the 390th B-17 bomber group stationed at Ipswich Aerodrome north of London, England.  After discharge, Elton returned home resuming his work at Young Radiator. In August of 1946, Elton moved from Young Radiator to Hamilton Beach and met the love of his life, Hope Lois Rigby. Through her, he came to know his Lord and Savior.  Elton and Hope were united in Holy Matrimony on November 2, 1946 at Grove Avenue Baptist Church, Hope's childhood church. For many decades Elton was active in holding both teaching and leadership roles at Grove Avenue Baptist and its successors, Highland Village Baptist and Fellowship Baptist. Elton worked for Hamilton Beach for 22 years, Johnson Wax for 20 years, and Batten International Airport for 10 years, all in Racine, Wisconsin. Elton was preceded in death by his entire immediate family: father, Jesse; mother, Myrtle; brothers: Bill, Jim, Bob, and Dan; sisters: Harriett and Betty; four sisters-in-law; two brothers-in-law; and four nieces and nephews.  He was also preceded in death by his first born child, Muriel, and Hope, his beloved wife of 68 years.  Elton is survived by his two sons: Tim (Andrea) Bertram of Racine, Wisconsin and Stephen Bertram of San Francisco, California; grandchildren: Amy (Jake) Browarski of Texas, Alyssa (Bryan) Taulbee, Andrew Bertram, both of Wisconsin; six great grandchildren; sisters-in-law: Gloria (Donald-deceased) Took and Peggy (Matthew-deceased) Rigby; brother-in-law, Lee (June) Phillips; former sisters-in-law: Hazel Rigby and Betty Rigby; more than 30 nieces and nephews; and his maternal and paternal extended families. A memorial service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Friday, October 20, 2017 at Fellowship Baptist Church, 5607 Wright Avenue Racine, Wisconsin.  In lieu of flowers, memorials have been suggested to the Milwaukee Rescue Mission.