Donald Leo Bertram

Donald Leo Bertram
July 3, 1935 – October 5, 2025
Donald Leo Bertram (Don), 90, of Gilbert, SC left this earthly realm to begin his eternal rest in the arms of our Lord on Sunday, October 5, 2025. He was born on July 3, 1935, in Cincinnati, OH, and was the oldest of six children born to the late Sylvester Ferdinand and Loretta Wilhelmina (nee Schloemer) Bertram.
Don worked for many years for the H. Blonder Company in Cleveland, OH as a vice president and later with Lucas Interiors in Indianapolis, IN as the office manager. Don led a life grounded in faith and served for ten years as the sacristan at Saint Joseph Catholic Church in Columbia, SC.
Don proudly served this great country on active duty in the United States Army.
Don was a very kind, caring and generous man. He was the best friend a person could ever have and would do anything for those in need. Don is preceded in death by his parents, four brothers: Charles, Jimmy, David and Jerry Bertram and two sisters-in-law Carole Bertram and Marilynn Bertram.
Don is survived by one brother, Brother Norbert, OFM of Cincinnati, OH; two sisters-in-law: Catherine Bertram of Cold Spring and Diane Bertram of Onalaska, WI; several nieces and nephews; his extended family of Michael Smith (a dear friend and caregiver) of Gilbert, SC; Michelle, Dewey and James King of Gilbert, SC; and Gladys Walsh of Fraser, MI who he thought of as a sister. He also leaves dear friends Reverend Monsignor Richard Harris and Dr. Todd Crump, both of Columbia, SC; and many other relatives and friends to mourn his passing.
Visitation will be from 9 am until 10:30 am on October 18, 2025, at Muehlenkamp-Erschell Funeral Home, 427 South Fort Thomas Ave. Ft. Thomas, with a Mass of Christian Burial immediately following at 11 am at Saint Joseph Catholic Church, 4011 Alexandria Pk, Cold Spring, Ky Commendation and Farewell Prayers to follow in the Saint Joseph Cemetery, Cold Spring, Ky where he will be laid to rest next to his brother David. Reception to follow in Kelly Hall. Family members will serve as pallbearers.
In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Alzheimer's Association of South Carolina, 140 Stoneridge Dr. #640, Columbia, SC 29210.
Online condolences can be made at dmefuneral.com.