Dennis A. Bertram

Dennis Bertram, age 73, of Belgrade MN, passed away at his home on December 27th, 2025.

Dennis was born on July 28th, 1952 to Nick and Hilda Bertram. He grew up on their family farm in Greenwald, MN. After high school, he ran heavy equipment for Althaus Construction, for 40 years. Dennis built a life centered around his love of fishing, dark house spearing, carving spearing decoys, and hunting. In 2012, he married his loving wife, Mona, and they lived on their hobby farm in Belgrade.

He will be remembered for his humor, kindness, and if you asked him, his toughness. He found great joy traveling throughout Minnesota attending decoy carving shows year after year. Through these gatherings and the darkhouse community, he formed countless lifelong friendships with fellow carvers.

Dennis was instrumental in founding the Heartland Chapter of the Minnesota Darkhouse and Angling Association (MDAA), a reflection of his deep love for fishing, spearfishing, and the art of decoy carving. Later in life, he also took up painting, embracing art in all its forms. His legacy lives on through the many lives he touched and the passion he shared for his craft and the outdoors.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Mona; stepchildren, Danny, Michelle, and Michael (Taylor); eight step-grandchildren; siblings, Vivian (Joe) Weber, Ginger (Don) Winter, Bonnie Kampsen, Bob Bertram (Marlane), Jan (Frank) Imdieke, Lucy (Arlen) Albrecht, and Mona (Steve) Schoenberg; and many nieces and nephews.

Dennis was preceded in death by his parents, Nick and Hilda Bertram; brothers, Dave and Herbert Bertram; and sister, Jane Meyer.