Samantha Jade Bertelson

It is with profound sadness and overwhelming love that we share the passing of our spunky, sweet Samantha, who was unexpectantly born in Fairmont (almost on I90) and then lived her young years in Redwood Falls, baptized at Gloria Dei Lutheran Church, and spent much of her life growing up in Albert Lea, MN.

Born with spina bifida, Sam lived in a frustratingly complex body. But it’s not Sam’s limitations that her family wants her to be remembered by.

Sam was a joy. She took delight in many things – family, visitors, music, school (and especially the bus), and unwinding with favorite movies (Wall-E, Frozen) and shows (Mickey Mouse Clubhouse, Wheel of Fortune, Price is Right). She loved popular kids’ songs like “Let it Go,” “Little Bunny Foo Foo,” and “Five Green & Speckled Frogs,” as well as unique favorites like “Put on Your Sunday Clothes” from Hello, Dolly and Peter Gabriel’s “Down to Earth,” both featured in Wall-E. But all who knew Sam knew country music was her real jam, and she was a #1 fan of Chris Stapleton; in a pinch, she’d listen to a bit of Luke Bryan and Jamey Johnson, too.

Sam was brave beyond measure. Her condition threw constant curveballs, but her courage wasn’t just empowering through all the medical stuff. Sammi also went to public school as often as she could through the years, took countless rides on her grandparents’ pontoon boat, traveled near and far as she was able, put up with newbies when her family and primary caregivers took rare breaks, and absolutely loved to swim in her backyard pool.

And, Sam was a spitfire. She could say more with a raised eyebrow (or two), a shake of her head, or a smirk than most of us could with a speech. Her legendary raspberries left many wondering if she was annoyed or just playing with you (spoiler: it was probably both). She laughed when people pretended to wipe out (and sometimes when they actually did!), famously flung gifts that didn’t strike her fancy, and waited for her family to turn around before feeding the dog her food. Her giggle was a thing we all worked to coax out of her, and it was the most beautiful sound when she granted it; and when her eyes twinkled at you, it was like being in on a secret. We’re also pretty sure she held the record for number of French fries consumed at DisneyWorld. You see, though spina bifida stole so much from her life, she showed us all endlessly how to live.

Samantha is survived by her loving parents Chris and Melissa Bertelson, and siblings Taylor (Garrett) Wencl, Nicholas (Jasmine) Bertelson-Schumacher, and Jace (Song) Johnson; grandparents Norlene & Edward Bertelson and Phillip Petersen; godparents Jill & Keith Guhlke and Darwin Anderson; aunts and uncles Scott Bertelson, Jill & Keith Guhlke, Tracy & Jonathan Wiese, Amie Petersen, Carrie & Joe Rossing and John Kiel, and many cousins and extended family.

Samantha also had a wide “special, extended family”, who showed extra care and affection to Sammi and her family through the years; P CA s (Taylor, Nicholas, Jace, Kristin G. and Lisa Q.) , teachers, paras and special bus drivers. Additionally, the Mayo Clinic Palliative Care Team who offered support and guidance over many years and more recently the Mayo Hospice Team.

Samantha is preceded in death by “Granny the Nanny,” Alberta Heiny, with whom she shared a special bond. We are sure they are making mischief together in heaven.

A celebration of Sammi’s life will be held at Bayview Freeborn Funeral Home from 3-6PM on Wednesday, January 8th, 2024.

Samantha, the heavens are lucky to have you, but we miss you like crazy down here.