Leon Bernard Bertsch

Leon Bernard Bertsch

February 9, 1930 – November 22, 2025

Leon Bernard Bertsch, 95 died peacefully in his sleep at Oak Village Healthcare in Lake Jackson, Texas on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

Leon was born in Columbus, Texas to Jesse and Katherine (Katy) Bertsch and was the eldest of six children. From a young age, his Catholic faith played an important role in his life. He was baptized and received his first communion at Sts. Peter & Paul Catholic Church in Frelsberg, Texas. Leon remained devoted to his faith throughout his life and was a long-time parishioner at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Sweeny.

Leon attended St. Joseph’s Catholic School before continuing his education at Fayetteville High School. At the age of 16, without ever taking a driving test, a priest arranged for Leon to get a license to drive the school bus. Leon took on this responsibility, driving the bus while completing his high school studies and for several years thereafter. His dedication to his studies was evident, as he graduated ranked second in his class.

At the age of 21, Leon was drafted into the United States Army, where he served honorably during the Korean War. His role focused on long-range communications, a critical responsibility that supported the military’s operations. Toward the end of his deployment, Leon was assigned to oversee the supply room, the mail room, and the motor pool. Although he was encouraged to re-enlist due to his exemplary service, Leon felt his duty was fulfilled and chose to return home to his family farm in Fayetteville.

On April 7, 1958, Leon married Dolores Bordovsky in Plum, Texas. Together, they welcomed five children, building a loving and supportive home in Bay City and then Old Ocean. Their time together was marked by devotion to family and faith until Dolores passed in 1966. On June 20, 1970, Leon remarried, joining his life with Ruby Lee Johnson, and they raised their blended family in Sweeny.

Leon was a dedicated employee at Phillips 66 in Old Ocean where he worked for 37 years in operations and retired as a supervisor. After his retirement, Leon and Ruby journeyed to 49 states during their travels with Needville Travel, creating cherished memories together. They also enjoyed sharing their joy of dancing, often leading the wedding grand march for friends and family.

Leon is survived by his children Mike Bertsch (Kelly) of Lake Jackson; Mark Bertsch (Patti) of Bay City; Marie Nairn (Ralph) of Sweeny; Miron Bertsch (Julie) of Magnolia, Melinda Goodrum (Tim) of Rosharon and Jerral Johnson (Cindy) of Bellville. He is also survived by 5 grandsons, 6 granddaughters, 15 great grandchildren, numerous nieces and nephews, and his sister, Evelyn Malota of Fayetteville.

Leon is preceded in death by his parents, first wife Dolores and second wife Ruby, brothers Bennie, Daniel, and Melvin (Red) Bertsch, sister Carolyn Easton, and granddaughter, Haley Bertsch.

A visitation will be held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church in Sweeny on Wednesday, December 3, 2025 from 9:00am to 10:00am with family present at this time to receive friends. A Holy Rosary will be recited at 10:00am. A mass of Christian burial will follow at 10:30am with Father Preston Quintela officiating. Burial will be at St. John’s Catholic Cemetery in Fayetteville, Texas at 2:30pm with Rev. Wayne Wilkerson officiating.

Serving as pallbearers will be Leon’s grandsons, Kyle, Wade and Ross Nairn, Travis Bertsch, Jerrad Johnson, and grandson-in-law Stephen Peterson. Honorary pallbearers are grandsons-in-law Patrick Donathan and Jason (Jay) French.

The family has entrusted funeral arrangements to C.T. Baker & Sons Funeral Home in West Columbia, Texas. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that memorial donations be made to Our Lady of Perpetual Help Catholic Church, 310 N. McKinney St, Sweeny, TX 77480.