John Russell Bertsch

He was born December 3, 1949 in Everett WA to parents John and Mabel Bertsch. He joined four sisters at home on the farm. Except for a few years in Everett, he attended schools in Lake Stevens. He came back to Lake Stevens to live with his dad. John was a proud graduate of Lake Stevens High School “Pink Palace” Class of ’68.

He loved Lake Stevens. He loved living on the farm with all the family. Even with all his allergies and asthma, he loved the farm and the activity, the family together and all the places to play. He loved the big old house with a veranda all around and an open attic large enough to shoot baskets.

When the farm was sold in the mid 60’s, John helped his dad build a house on a lower acre of the old farm. When he moved back from working in Oregon, this is where he lived. He never left home again.

John loved life and being active in the outdoors. He played Little League baseball and went on to play in a local adult league. He became a coach when his son was playing youth baseball. He played football even though his footwear was borrowed and two sizes too big. John enjoyed hunting, hiking and backpacking, and fishing, fishing, fishing. With Fran he enjoyed bowling, camping, hiking and backpacking, the Mariners, the Seahawks, UW football, UW women’s softball. And always fishing, fishing, fishing. Opening day at Camp Ki and second half opening at Jameson Lake in Eastern Washington. Some vacations they enjoyed were to Hawaii and Florida. In Tennesee they visited Fran’s sister and brother-in-law and experienced the fall colors and The Grand Ol’ Opry. As activity levels decreased, he and Fran enjoyed going on drives. Favorite drives were to Darrington for coffee or around the Mt Loop Highway. Finally just sitting on the deck to enjoy the great outdoors or watching the hummingbirds at the feeders out the front window. Bottom line, they were together.

When John came back from Oregon, he became a school bus driver. He then went on to work as a bus driver for the City of Everett. He enjoyed all the different passengers but especially his regulars, and getting them safely to their destinations.

John was predeceased by his parents and infant sister Judy Lynn.

He is survived by son Jon T (Aimee) Bertsch; grandchildren Jon T Jr, and Natalie Bertsch (Sawyer Ostrout) sisters Sharon (Cliff) Crowley, Joan (Dick) Roberson, Gail Chism, and Marcia Nichols; numerous nieces and nephews. He also leaves his love of 35 years Fran Bueler.

No services per John’s request. Burial will be at GAR Cemetery in Snohomish. If you would like, memorial contributions may be made to Providence Hospice of Snohomish County, 2731 Wetmore Avenue, Suite 500, Everett WA.