Dwaine Gaylord Bertsch

     Dwaine G. “Buddy” Bertsch passed away peacefully in his home on Saturday, July 2^nd, surrounded by his family.

     Dwaine was born on July 10, 1931, in McPherson County, SD on the family homestead. He spent his youth attending country school and working on the family farm.

     On June 3, 1951, he married the love of his life, Marion J. Speidel in Ashley, ND.

Shortly after their marriage, Dwaine was drafted into the Army and was stationed at Camp Gordon, GA. In June of 1952, he was deployed to the military conflict in Korea. After his discharge, Dwaine returned to North Dakota and worked on the Garrison Dam Project and then settled on a career in retail food service in Casper, WY and Grand Forks, ND

     In 1991, Dwaine and Marion retired and purchased a farm in Leach, SD, to raise cattle and small grain crops. In 2012, they retired again and settled in Spencer, IA until his death.

     Dwaine and Marion raised 5 children; 10 grand children and 12 great grandchildren.

     Dwaine is survived by his wife, Marion, who is a resident at St. Luke Lutheran Home in Spencer, IA; his daughters: Deb Schomer (Butch), Sheila Vescovi (Kelly), DuAnn Bertsch, Charlene Frick (Keith) and his son, Duane Bertsch (Tami).

     He was preceded in death by his parents: Jacob J. and Martha J. Bertsch; his brother, Roger Bertsch and a grandson, Jack D. Vescovi.

     Interment will be at Black Hills National Cemetery, Sturgis, SD at a later date.

     In lieu of flowers memorials can be sent to First Baptist Church of Spencer and St. Luke Lutheran Homes and Services.

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