Obituaries

WILLIAM BERTSCH

William A. Bertsch, 49, St. John, died Sept. 19, 2015, at his St. John home. He was born March 11, 1966, in Atwater, Calif., to George and Barbara Ann Cormier Bertsch. With his father serving in the US Air Force, Bill grew up in different parts of the country. He completed his education in San Diego where he graduated from high school. Bill attended National University for a while and then went into the landscaping industry where he worked as a landscaper at Sea World in San Diego. During this time Bill operated his own hauling company.

He met Florence Reyes and they moved to St. John in 2003. The couple married April 14, 2008. His interests included astronomy and spending time with his family. Bill was a member of the Catholic Church.

He is survived by his wife Flo at their St. John home; daughters Nicole and Tiffany; son Billy; his father George; three brothers Tom, Steve and Matt Bertsch, and two sisters Mary York and Tammy Myers.

A graveside service will be Thursday, Sept. 24, 2015, at 1 p.m. at the St. John Cemetery. A reception will follow the graveside service at the St John Community Center.

Online condolences: http://www.bruningfuneralhome.com

MARGARET SMITH

Margaret Ruth Smith died Sept. 2, 2015, at age 91. She was born in her home near St. John Feb. 5, 1924. She graduated from St. John High School in 1942 and married Floyd James (Pete) Smith Nov.14 1942. They made their home on their farm near Rock Lake.

She enjoyed fishing and boating on Rock Lake and being a wife, mother, and grandmother.

Marge was preceded in death by her husband, Pete Smith; her sisters Dora, June, and Hazel, and her brother Bud Wagner.

Surviving are by her brother, Fred Wagner; her children Ken Smith and Linda Burke; three grandchildren, and five great-grandchildren.

Memorials donations in her name can be made to Higher Ground Animal Sanctuary in Spokane.