Richard Bertram

A celebration of life for Richard Bertram was held on Saturday, August 7, 2021, at the Colome American Legion. Mason Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.

Rich was born on July 7, 1948 in Ainsworth NE, to Allan and Neva Bertram. He attended Colome Public Schools, graduating from Colome High School in 1966.

Rich married his wife of fifty years, Karen Kauer on May 3, 1971 in Winner, SD. To this union they had with five children: Allan, Lance, Cody, Stephanie and Blakke.

Rich held a few jobs managing stores such as the S & S Store and Big A Auto Parts, but for the last 28 years of his working career he found his calling as a correctional officer for the Winner City Jail. His impact was also made on the baseball and softball diamonds. He coached many young athletes in the Colome community in both sports and was proud of the 1989 Clearfield Teener Team that he coached to a state runner-up finish.

Rich’s entire being was centered around his family. He was proud to be a Bertram and instilled the many values and ideals that were passed down to him through his father, uncles and grandparents. He never missed a game of his children’s over the years and traveled thousands of miles to ensure that he was in the stands for his grandchildren’s athletic contests, concerts, recitals and major events.

Richard Allan Bertram, of Winner, SD, passed away on Saturday, July 31, 2021, at the Dougherty Hospice House in Sioux Falls, SD at the age of 73.

Rich is survived by his wife, Karen Bertram, children Allan & Shelby Bertram, Lance & Jen Bertram, Cody and Melony Bertram, Stephanie & Justin Schuyler, Blakke & Emily Bertram; 11 grandchildren, Skyler, Kylie, Ashtyn, Olivia, Landon, Trevor, Mason, Marlie, Owen, TaShawn, Zaeda; brothers Russ, Ron (Kim) Roger and Sister Rae Jean (Jeff) and a special uncle Larry Bertram along with many nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Richard was preceded in death by his parents Allan and Neva Bertram, father and mother-in-Law, Paul and Lorraine Kauer and sister Reva Horstman.

Monetary donations will go towards the Richard Bertram Law Enforcement Officer Annual Employee of the Year Award.