William Junior Bertsch

William "Bill" Junior Bertsch, 90, of La Porte, IN, passed away on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Miller's Health and Rehab.

Bill was born on November 28, 1934, in Honduras, IN, to William and Wilma (Beer) Bertsch.

On July 7, 1985, in Champaign, IL, he married Betty Mandeville, who survives. Also surviving are his 3 daughters, Cynthia "Cindy" Sanders of Valparaiso, Kristina "Kris" Bertsch of La Porte, and Andrea Bertsch of La Porte; 2 grandsons, Austin Sanders and Corey (Morgan) Sanders of Valparaiso; and nephew, Tom (Debbie) Stephens of Carmel.

He was preceded in death by his parents; sister, Beulah "Boo" Stephens; and brother-in-law, James Stephens.

At the young age of 11, on Easter 1946, Bill confirmed his faith in Jesus Christ at St. Luke Evangelical and Reformed Church. Two years later, he graduated from Kirkland Twp. School and later went on, in 1952, to graduate from Berne-French High School.

Bill received his Bachelor of Arts degree in 1956, from Heidelberg College, Tiffin, OH. His drive to continue honoring the Lord, led him to Mission House Theological Seminary, in Plymouth, WI, where he graduated in 1958. Shortly after graduation, Bill was ordained into the United Church of Christ at St. Luke United Church of Christ, Honduras, IN.

With over 40 years in the ministry, within IN, OH, IL, and MI, Bill retired in 2000. For 14 years of retirement, Bill and Betty enjoyed the community of Three Oaks, MI, before relocating to La Porte in 2014.

In addition to reading and teaching the Word of the God, Bill enjoyed woodworking.

Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.

A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, March 8, 2025, at the Presbyterian Church of La Porte with Pastor Jane Anabe officiating.

A time of visitation will be held from 1:00 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the church.

Memorial contributions may be directed to Habitat for Humanity, the Presbyterian Church of La Porte, or to the charity of the donor's choice.

Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlercares.com.