December 10, 1925 - April 2, 2020
It is with sadness that we share that Gerry Bertens passed away peacefully at home on April 2, 2020 in his 95th year.
Gerry will be deeply missed by his beloved wife Annie and his children Ade Bertens; Hank and Nancy Bertens; Marlene and Jim Maguire; Nancy and Vince Hulshof, Larry and Janice Bertens and Trish and Dale McComb. He was proud Opa to Marissa (Tom), Braden (Emily), Kim (Jamie), Dan (Brittany), Erin, Craig (Krista), Tricia (Ari), Brent, Devin, Breanne, Elise, Julia (Joe), Mark, Rachel, Greg and Jared and special Groot-Opa to Nora, Iris, Arlo, Aria, Theo and Iris. Gerry was predeceased by his beautiful daughter-in-law Marg (2018).
Loved brother-in law of Lucy and John VanHaaren (Canada); Rien and Ria deKort, Zus and Leo VanKasteren, Piet deKort, and Annie deKort (The Netherlands) and fondly remembered by many special nieces and nephews.
Predeceased by siblings and in-laws Frank and Rieka Bertens, Anne and Adrian deKort, Piet and Jo Bertens, Jos and Tiny Bertens, Lies and Willem VanLaak, Miet and Janus VanEsch, Jan Bertens, Wim Bertens, Jan deKort, Louis and Mary deKort, and Nel deKort.
Those who knew Gerry will remember him fondly for his wit and wonderful sense of humour. To know him was to be teased by him. Family meant everything to him, and none was more precious to him than his Annie. She was the love of Gerry’s life and they shared 66 wonderful years together. Theirs was a beautiful love story from their unique wedding as part of the famous six-couples, to immigrating to Canada and starting a new life, to raising a family, building a successful dairy farm, and enjoying their golden years in Mitchell - they were partners and best friends. As they grew older together, Gerry was proud to look after his “Anneke” and there was nothing that made him more complete than having her by his side.
Gerry was born in the Netherlands, December 10, 1925 - where his love of farming was sowed. He served as a soldier in Indonesia, an experience that deeply shaped him and he often shared stories of his time as a soldier. Upon his return, he knew farming and Annie were his future and Canada would be where their dreams would come true. Gerry knew the value of hard work, of taking risks, finishing what you started, and doing things right. He took great pride in his accomplishments and those of his children and grandchildren.
It was our privilege to grant Dad’s wish to live out his years in his own home, and we want to thank those angels who’s caring hearts and helping hands have meant the world to all of us - their loving friends and neighbours Ron & Ruth Boonstra; our wonderful care workers Pamme, Leslie, Lindsey, Taryn, Lynn, Lori, Michelle; CarePartner Nurses and Dr. Kenyon whose care gave us 94 years with our father.
A private service will take place. A Celebration of Gerry's Life will be held at a later date. Donations to the Canadian Diabetes Association or St. Vincent de Paul Church Building Fund can be made at LockhartFuneralHome.com. Condolences and video condolences for the family can also be offered through the Lockhart Funeral Home website.
One thing is for sure - Heaven just got a lot more fun!
