Rudolph Walter “Rudy” Bertsch was born in a farm house on June 2, 1936, the 17th child of Mike and Ida Bertsch, and part of a large family of 22 children on a wheat and cattle farm near Burt, North Dakota. He joined the US Air Force in 1954 and served in the 8th Air Force’s 376th Refueling Squadron n North Africa. While based at Barksdale AFB he met the love of his life, Gracie Venita “Nita” Thomas. They were married in November 1956 and were together over 66 years. He was honorably discharged in 1958 and joined the Shreveport Fire Department the same year, rising to the rank of Captain and serving on the first Crash Truck at Shreveport Regional Airport. He obtained his beautician license in 1960 and established Rudy’s Hair Styling Center in 1968. He earned his pilots license and became a flight instructor, teaching hundreds of safe pilots including all three of his sons. Rudy earned his Airline Transport Pilot (ATP) rating in 1974, and after retiring from the Shreveport Fire Department in 1979 he became a corporate pilot. Over the next 40+ years he flew for numerous companies, including the former Royale Airlines. As a side business, he became professional handicapper and started a small company called “Simon Says” publishing tip sheets for thoroughbred races. He also published a book “Seven Segments – Plus One” detailing his proven handicapping techniques. On July 3, 2015 Rudy was proud to receive the coveted FAA Wright Brothers Master Pilot Award for his “outstanding contributions in furthering the progress of aviation safety”. His last flying job was with GTA in Addison, Texas flying “hot shot” cargo that had to be delivered quickly at night and in all kinds of weather – some of the most difficult flying there is. Rudy continued flying professionally until December 2020, when he finally retired at the age of 84, moved to Greenwood, Louisiana and enjoyed taking care of his garden.
Rudy’s memorial service is planned for July 8, 2023 at Centuries Memorial Funeral Home in Shreveport, Louisiana. https://www.dignitymemorial.com/
Rudy will be interred on July 20 at the Christ Lutheran Cemetery in rural New Leipzig, ND next to his sister Ida Bertsch, who he believes was his guardian angel throughout his life.
Rudy is survived by:
Wife - Gracie Venita Thomas
Son – Paul Jeffery Bertsch and wife Susan Harkins
Granddaughter – Shelby Anne Bertsch
Grandson – Jared Bertsch and wife Kristi Hack
Son – Albert Kerry Bertsch and wife Regina Riley
Grandson – Andy Shreve
Son – Timothy Mark Bertsch
Granddaughter – April and husband Randall Harlem
Granddaughter – Sarah Nicole
Great Grandchildren – Jason, Colbi (deceased), Grant, Layla
Great Great Grandchildren – Mason
Sister – Viola Prischman
Brothers – Herbert Bertsch, Benjamin Bertsch
And countless nephews and nieces all across America…
