Ronald Bertoch

Ronald H. Bertoch, age 81, of Otter Tail Lake, Minnesota, died Friday, April 15, 2011, at Perham Memorial Hospital in Perham, MN after a lengthy battle with ALS. Ronald and his twin brother, Donald, were born to Henry and Lydia (Mohr) Bertoch in Tracy, Minnesota on September 29, 1929. Ron spent his early years on the family farm, north of Garvin, MN until in 1936 when the family moved to Alexandria, MN. Ron and Don graduated from Alexandria High School in 1948. Ron attended Gustavus Adolphus College, graduating in 1951. Ronald married Kathleen Marie Araskog on June 10th, 1951 in Fergus Falls, MN. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1952 and served in combat in South Korea until his release in 1954. After returning to Alexandria, he worked for his father, Henry, at the Unique Cleaners. After the birth of their son, Rand, in 1956, Ron and Kay moved to Moorhead, MN in 1962 where Ron attended Moorhead State University, obtaining his teaching certificate and a Master’s degree in biology and physical education. Ronald taught junior high biology and physical education in the Minot, ND school system until 1969 when he became a superintendent of secondary education. In 1978, he was offered an opportunity as a junior vice president with Baukol Noonan Coal Company. He was employed by BNI in Bismarck, ND until 1995 when he retired as executive vice president. He and his wife, Kathleen, moved back to Minot in 1995 until they returned to their Minnesota roots in 2001, living along the shores of Otter Tail Lake. An avid hunter, Ron also loved to fish and be outdoors. Some of his most memorable times were spent hunting and fishing, especially with his grandson, Devin. Ron served on the Zion Lutheran Church Council, served as church treasurer, and was trained and served as a Stephen Minister. Ronald is survived by his wife of 59 years, Kathleen of Otter Tail Lake, son, Rand and wife, Ann, of Baxter, MN, grandson, Devin of Baxter, brother, Donald and wife, Vicki, of Tallahassee, FL, brother and sister-in-law, Rand and Jesse Araskog of Palm Beach, FL, several nieces and nephews, and many dear friends throughout Minnesota and North Dakota. Ron was preceded in death by his parents, Henry and Lydia Bertoch. Ronald’s funeral will be held on May 20, 2011 at 1 p.m. at Zion Lutheran Church in Amor, with Pastor Jim Gronbeck officiating. Interment in the Amor Cemetery will follow the service. Cremation has taken place. Arrangements are entrusted to the Olson Funeral Home of Fergus Falls. The family prefers memorials to the Zion Lutheran Church building fund or the ALS Association.