William (Bill) O. Bertsch

William O. Bertsch 88, of Connersvillle, Indiana passed away on Thursday, May 14, 2026 . He was born July 5, 1937 in Wayne County, Indiana. He was one of three sons of Arthur and Mildred (Rambo) Bertsch.

On August 3, 1958 he married Judith Hormel. They were married for 58 years. She preceded him in death on October 2, 2016. 

He was a farmer until the last breath he took, sitting in his tractor. He was a resilient, hard working man. For 30 years, he worked third shift at Dana Corp. in Hagerstown and farmed during the day. In “retirement” he farmed alongside his son, Bobby Bertsch and step father Russell Manlove. 

Bill was an active member of his community. He was a member of Masonic Lodge #108 in Milton, Indiana. His dedication to the lodge meetings trumped all farming duties, just ask Bobby. He was the assistant Beef Director of Fayette County 4-H for many years, and an active member of Zion’s Lutheran Church in Germantown. Bill didn’t know a stranger and had a busy social calendar. He could often be found with his brother, David, enjoying Lincoln High School basketball games. He enjoyed fellowship playing cards at Drake’s Farm and could often be found with his “Man Cave Group” watching sports and playing more cards. 

Bill is survived by his two sons: Rodney (Janie) Bertsch and William Robert (Trena) Bertsch both of Connersville; three grandchildren: Tiffany (Jake) Combs, Blake Bertsch and Keri Horst; five great grandchildren: Jasper, Milly, Becca and Archie Combs and Edward Horst;  a sister-in-law Paula Bertsch and several nieces and nephews. 

In addition to his parents and his wife Judith, he is preceded in death by his step-father Russell Manlove, two brothers, Rodney and David Bertsch and a sister-in-law Alta Bertsch.

Friends may call at Waskom Capitol Hill in Cambridge City from 10 AM to 1 PM on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, a Masonic Service will be held at 12:45 PM on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, funeral services will be held at 1 PM with Pastor Clifford Nunn officiating.

Burial will be in Zion’s Lutheran Cemetery in Germantown, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be given to 

Zion’s Lutheran Church or Bentonville Fire Department. 

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