Soren Howard Bertelsen

Soren Howard Bertelsen passed away on February 15, 2026, in Volga, SD. A funeral service for Howard will be held at 10:30 am on Friday, February 20, 2026, at First Lutheran Church in Volga, SD. A visitation will be held prior to the service from 9:30-10:30 am.

Howard was born on September 11, 1947 in Volga, SD to Soren Harold & May Ailene Bertelsen. He grew up in Volga and attended school at Sioux Valley in Volga, SD. After high school, Howard went on to marry the love of his life, Gwendolyn Faye Harmer, on July 28, 1973 in Sioux Falls, SD. From this marriage they had two children, a daughter Jennifer Bertelsen, and a son Jared Bertelsen.

Throughout his life Howard helped out as a farm hand whether it was planting, baling, or working with animals. During his time off he enjoyed nothing more than fishing, hunting or just driving around Lake Goldsmith. Those close to Howard will remember him as one of the most caring, dedicated, genuine, humble, and patient men they've ever known.

Howard is survived by his sisters Ilene Bertelsen, Irene (Vern) Olson, and Sylvia (George) Bertelsen-Heinrich: his children Jared Bertelsen and Jennifer (Chris) Oines: his grandchildren Ryker Oines, Tori (Brandon) DeVries: and his great-grandchild Britta DeVries.

Howard is preceded in death by his parents Soren & May Bertelsen, his wife Gwen Bertelsen, his brother Robert Bertelsen, his grandparents John & Dela Jonker, Soren & Dorthea Bertelsen, and his wife's parents Don & Marilyn Harmer.