Mr. Ruben Bertsch

January 19, 1927 - November 19, 2020

Ruben R Bertsch, called “Bert” by his friends, 93, died November 19, 2020 in Mena, Arkansas. He was born to the late Jacob and Katherine Bertsch in McIntosh, South Dakota. Bert grew up on a small Idaho farm, and as a young man began coal mining for a living. His older friends in the mines convinced him to find a healthier and more promising profession. He joined the U.S. Navy, completing a 26-year career, rising to the highest enlisted rank of Master Chief, working in aviation aboard aircraft carriers, stationed on both coasts and traveling the world. Upon finishing his navy career, Bert bought an eighteen wheeler and proceeded to haul yachts across the country, a job he enjoyed until he eventually bought a cattle and poultry farm west of Mena where he met and married his wife Imogene (Jean). Eventually retiring completely, Bert and Jean enjoyed traveling, family and friends. Bert bought mortgage notes and began trading stocks and did so successfully into his 90s. He continued to play his accordion and played and sang regularly in church. He loved a good meal, especially home cooked, and enjoyed a glass of beer and fun jokes. He loved the Lord and was a member of Community Christ Church in Grannis, Arkansas. This remarkable man and his big smile will be fondly remembered by everyone who knew him. He loved the Lord and was a member of Community of Christ Church in Grannis, Arkansas. He is survived by his wife, Imogene Bertsch; step sons, Kenneth and Julia May of Ft. Smith, AR, Jim Nevarde of San Diego, CA; step daughters, Carol Davis of San Diego, CA, Kathy and Mark Medford of Mena, AR, Cindy and Duane Richmond of Mena, AR; step grandchildren, Dena Hamilton of Des Moines, IA, Beau Medford of Springdale, AR, Andrew Richmond of Fayetteville, AR, Travis May of Mena, AR, Carson Nevarde of San Diego, CA; and several step great grandchildren. Pallbearers are Ronnie Graves, Steve Graves, David Graves, Beau Medford, Andrew Richmond and Travis May. Graveside services will be at Mineral Cemetery in Gillham, Arkansas on Monday, November 23, 2020 at 10:00 a.m. with Brother Bruce Arndt officiating. Services under the direction of the Beasley-Wood Funeral Home.