David Henry Bertram

David Henry Bertram, 68, of Sutherland, NE, formerly of North Platte, NE, passed away Monday, October 13, 2014, at Great Plains Health. David was born May 28, 1946, to Pete D. and Esther Katherine Bertram at Scottsbluff, NE. He grew up in Gering, NE and graduated from Gering High School in 1964. David joined the U.S. Navy in August 1964 and served until August 1968. On July 15, 1967, David married Ruth Louise Stewart at Long Beach, CA. Following his discharge, David worked for an auto body shop in California until 1970 when he and Ruth moved to Gering. Here David was a member of the Gering Volunteer Fire Department from '71 to 76. In 1976 David became a Deputy Fire Marshal in Ogallala, NE and worked for the State Fire Marshal's Office. In 1983 he became Chief Deputy Fire Marshal of District C for the State of Nebraska and the family moved to North Platte the following year. David retired in 2012 after 36 years of service. David was a member of the Harvest Christian Fellowship, V.F.W. Post #1504 and Paul R. Martin Post #279 American Legion. He was also a member of the volunteer fire departments in North Platte and Ogallala and President of the Nebraska State Volunteer Firefighters Association. David enjoyed youth sports and was the umpire in charge for girl's softball and refereed high school football games. He is survived by his wife, Ruth, of Sutherland; daughters, Susan (Ralph) Quick, of Sutherland and Karen Bertram, of Omaha, NE; four grandchildren, Kristi (Zachary) Baird, Florence Quick (Tyson Osborne), David Quick and Thao Nguyen; five great-grandchildren, Taylor Fraizer and Devin, Trinity, Katelynne and Koda Baird; a sister, Sandie (Richard) Cummins, of Scottsbluff, NE; several nieces, nephews and other family. David was preceded in death by his parents, Pete and Esther; and sisters, Mary Ann Severson and Alice Severson. Funeral service will be 1:30 p.m. Thursday, October 16, 2014, at the Harvest Christian Fellowship. Burial with military honors will follow in Fort McPherson National Cemetery. Visitation will be from 8:30 a.m. to 8 p.m. Wednesday at Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore. Condolences may also be shared at odeanchapel.com. In lieu of flowers, memorials are suggested to the Sutherland Volunteer Fire Department Scholarship Fund. Odean Colonial Chapel at C & Sycamore is in charge of arrangements.