Clarence Bertram

Clarence A. Bertram, age 94 of Spring Hill, died peacefully surrounded by his family on Monday, April 9, 2018 at the St. Benedict's Center in St. Cloud, Minnesota.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be 11 a.m. Friday, April 13 at Saint Michael's Catholic Church in Spring Hill with Rev. Marvin Enneking officiating. Interment will be in the parish cemetery.

Visitation will be from 4 to 8 p.m. Thursday and from 10 to 11 a.m. Friday at the church in Spring Hill. Catholic United Financial, Knights of Columbus, and St. Michael's Men's Society will pray at 6 p.m. Thursday evening at the church.

Clarence Arnold Bertram was born February 12, 1924 in Spring Hill, Minnesota to Joseph and Katherine (Hemmesch) Bertram. He was united in marriage to Viola Gruber on June 15, 1948 at St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Belgrade. They farmed in Spring Hill their entire life and raised four children. Clarence and Viola were members of St. Michael's Catholic Church in Spring Hill, a church his dad, Joe, helped build.

Clarence joined the Knights of Columbus in 1966. He held all offices including Grand Knight in 1977 through 1978, was a 3rd and 4th Degree member, and was a member of the honor guard.

He was a member of Catholic United Financial and the St. Michael's Men's Society. He served in the ASCS County Committee for many years and served under President Clinton on the State ASCS committee for eight years. Clarence served as Secretary of AMPI for many years and served on the Stearns County Variance Board as well. Clarence enjoyed farming with his beloved wife, Viola, his whole life. He enjoyed taking trips to Branson, Hawaii, and Florida. He was an avid bowler and bowled into his 80's. Clarence loved riding the Gator with his wife by his side, driving over his 400 acres. Clarence was very devoted to his church, his family, and his land he so proudly farmed.

Survivors include his children, Corrine (Gary P.) Lieser of Spring Hill, Judi (Larry) Jansen of Sauk Centre, Joe L. (Sue) Bertram, Sr. of Spring Hill, and Jeff (Marlene) Bertram of Paynesville; 14 grandchildren and 30 great-grandchildren; and sisters, Ann Hinnenkamp of Sauk Centre and Catherine Lieser of Plymouth.

Clarence was preceded in death by his wife of 64 years, Viola Bertram on September 29, 2012; parents; sisters, Mary Lieser, Loretta Lieser, Aurelia Sunderman, and an infant sister, Theresa; and brothers, Leo, Nick, and Al Bertram.

The family of Clarence Bertram would like to say a special thank you to all of the caregivers who took care of our dad during his journey.