Dora M. Bertelsen

1935 - 2025

Dora M. Bertelsen
11/15/1935 - 11/12/2025
After living a full and meaningful life, Dora M. Bertelsen passed away peacefully on November 12, 2025, just three days before her ninetieth birthday. She was born in Carrizo, Texas on November 15, 1935 to parents who taught her the importance of family and doing what was right. Dora graduated from Tech High School and later attended San Antonio College before beginning her early career at Lackland Air Force Base. She went on to build a long career with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, where she formed close friendships that stayed with her throughout her life.
She is survived by her son, Joseph Bertelsen and his daughter, Alexandra; daughter Lisa and her husband, Ken Stenquist, and their sons, Lucas and Kolten; her sisters Sylvia (Raymond) Sanchez and Marie Hernandez of San Antonio; and her brother-in-law Jeff (Bonnie) Bertelsen. The family is especially grateful to Nora Mejia for her wonderful care.
She was preceded in death by her mother, Maria Hernandez; her father, Jose Hernandez; and her husband, Kenneth, the greatest love of her life.
Dora gave her time freely and spent many years involved with the ECHO charity organization. She enjoyed playing bridge and the laughter that came with it. She loved traveling with Ken, especially cruising and exploring new places with close friends. At home, she took pride in hunting for good deals at Costco-a pastime that conveniently balanced Ken's love of hunting outdoors. She also loved cheering for the San Francisco Giants and the San Jose Sharks and rarely missed a game in person at the Tank.
Dora's greatest joy was her family, especially her grandchildren. She was a steady and caring presence in their lives, and she will be deeply missed.
A Rosary will be held on December 11 at St. Charles Chapel for close family and friends. A Funeral Mass will be held on December 12 at 9 AM at St. Charles Church.
Donations in her memory may be made to the American Liver Foundation (https://liverfoundation.org).