RALEIGH, N.C. - William L. Bertram, 89, formerly of Clearfield, passed away peacefully after a brief illness, on Tuesday, May 10, 2022 in Raleigh, N.C., surrounded by family members.

Born Sept. 2, 1932 in Clearfield, he was the son of the late George H. and Eunice Mayme (Lines) Bertram Jones.

On April 21, 1956, he married Edna B. Starnes. She preceded him in death on Oct. 4, 2018.

Mr. Bertram was a member of the West Side United Methodist Church having served in many capacities - trustee, administrative board, pastor-parish relations committee and memorial gift and endowment committees.

He retired from the Clearfield Bank and Trust Company where he worked for an incredible 50 years. He started at the bank as a mailroom messenger and teller and ultimately worked his way to become president, CEO and board chairman.

In 2000, he received a 50-year tribute from the Pennsylvania Bankers Association for his contribution to Pennsylvania Banking.

Mr. Bertram graduated in 1950 from the Clearfield High School. Later in life, while working full-time, and with a wife and three small children, he earned a graduate degree in banking and finance from the Rutgers University, Stonier Graduate School of Banking.

He served in the United States Army during the Korean Conflict and was a member of the Clearfield American Legion John Lewis Shade Post 6. He was also a member of the Clearfield Lodge 314 F&AM and the Clearfield BPOE Lodge 540.

Mr. Bertram enjoyed and supported community service. He previously served on the Clearfield Hospital Board as treasurer, was past chairman of the Clearfield Hospital Authority and the Clearfield Hospital Foundation for Health. He also served on many hospital and YMCA fundraiser drives.

Early on in his career, he worked for many years on the Clearfield County March of Dimes campaign. He also served on the board and was past chairman of the major gifts division of the Clearfield Area United Way.

Mr. Bertram was a charter member of the Clearfield Education Foundation which founded the Lock Haven University Clearfield Campus and is a director emeritus. He was also a member of the DuBois Education Foundation. Mr. Bertram served for many years on the Clearfield Chamber of Commerce board and was a member of the Clearfield Foundation and the Wolf Run Industrial Development Authority.

Most recently, he volunteered and served as ambassador for new residents at the Atria Oakridge Independent Living Facility in Raleigh, N.C., where he was a resident.

Mr. Bertram is survived by his three children, Carol Elliott of Naples, Fla., Keith Bertram and wife Diana of Raleigh, N.C. and Jeff Bertram and wife Amy of Fayetteville; five grandchildren, Stephen Elliott of Washington, D.C., Ashley (Cody) McGarvey of Reynoldsville, Marielle (Evan) Bush of Salt Lake City, Utah, and Abigail and Logan Bertram of Fayetteville; one great granddaughter, Reagan McGarvey of Reynoldsville, and former son-in-law Dave Elliott of Naples, Fla.

He was preceded in death by his parents; and his wife, Edna S. (Stames) Bertram.

Per Mr. Bertram's wishes, there will be no public viewing.

Funeral Services will be held at the West Side United Methodist Church in Clearfield on Monday, May 23, 2022 at 11 a.m. with the Rev. Denise Haskins and Pastor Paul Bowers officiating.

Interment will be at Crown Crest Memorial Park. Military Honors will be accorded at the cemetery by the Clearfield Honor Guard.

Memorial contributions may be made to the West Side United Methodist Church, 317 Nichols St., Clearfield, PA 16830; or the Clearfield Chapter of the Salvation Army, 119 Byers St., Clearfield, PA 16830.

The Bennett and Houser Funeral Home, Inc. of Clearfield is in charge of the arrangements.

To send online tributes go to www.bennettandhouser.com.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Progress from May 18 to May 19, 2022.