Ernest Leo Bertke

BERTKE, Ernest L., 88 died Friday, September 8, 2017 at Hospice of Dayton following a brief illness. He leaves his loving wife of 62 years, Rita (Guggenbiller) Bertke; his seven children Delbert (Jean), Ronald (Susan), Thomas (Lisa), Lisa Ellis (fiancé Bill Wehinger), Bradley (Kim), Diane, and Kevin (Mary); 16 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren; his sister Norma Otting and brother Bill Bertke. He was preceded in death by his parents, Leo and Anna, brothers Charlie, Cyril, Louis and sister Euleta Bensman. Born and raised in Cassella, Ohio, the son of Leo and Anna. He graduated from Marion Local High School, and then served in the army during the Korean War. Ernest and Rita moved to Dayton, Ohio in 1955. He was the proud owner of Washington Meadows Barbershop for over 50 years and filled our home with many stories about the customers he loved. He also owned Bresler’s 33 Flavors for over 15 years. He was a member of the Centerville Optimist Club, Knights of Columbus, and Incarnation Parish, where he was often seen ushering at 7:30 mass. He was passionate about his family, history, sports and gardening. He loved the Cincinnati Bengals, the Reds, Notre Dame Football and University of Dayton Basketball. He took a lot of pride in his summer garden that produced amazing vegetables that were often shared with others. The family will receive visitors from 5:00 to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at TOBIAS FUNERAL HOME-FAR HILLS CHAPEL, 5471 Far Hills Ave. at Rahn Rd, Dayton, OH 45429. Mass of Christian Burial 10:30 a.m. Thursday, September 14, 2017 at the Church of the Incarnation, 7415 Far Hills Ave, Centerville, OH 45459. Memorial contributions may be made to Hospice of Dayton Foundation, 324 Wilmington Ave., Dayton, OH 45420. www.hospiceofdayton.org. Online condolences may be sent to www.tobiasfuneralhome.com.