Groff Funeral Homes
1607 East Perkins Avenue
Sandusky, OH 44870
Phone: 419-626-3632
Fax: 419-626-2445
Email: info@grofffuneralhomes.com
Website: http://www.grofffuneralhomes.com
View All Obituaries from Groff Funeral Homes
James A. Bertsch, 83, residing in Sandusky, passed away Thursday morning, February 26, 2015 at Firelands Regional Medical Center after a brief illness.
Jim was born on December 26, 1931 in Sandusky, OH to the late Russell C. and Verna D. (Sprau) Bertsch.
Jim was a 1949 graduate of Sandusky High School. He was a Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp who proudly served his country during the Korean Conflict. Jim was active in the jewelry business since 1952, and was the founder and president of James A. Bertsch Jewelers in Sandusky. He is a member of St. Stephen United Church of Christ, past president of the Sandusky Jaycees, past president of Erie County Homebuilders Association, member and past Commodore of the Sandusky Yacht Club, and a lifetime member of the Sandusky AMVETS. Jim was active in many civic organizations having held offices as director and trustee in the Sandusky Area Chamber of Commerce and Downtown Waterfront Development.
Jim is survived by his wife, Martha (Maschari) Bertsch, whom he married on March 21, 1957; daughter, Michelle (Jerry "Farmer") Herold of Sandusky; son, Mark (Julie) Bertsch of Huron; six grandchildren, Annamarie and Matthew Herold, Morgan and Elsa Bertsch, and Joshua and Spencer Van der Waarden; three great-grandchildren; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.
In addition to his parents, Jim is preceded in death by one son, Matthew in infancy, and one brother, Jack Bertsch.
Friends may call on Friday, February 27, 2015 from 4:00 pm to 7:00 pm at Groff Funeral Homes & Crematory, 1607 E Perkins Ave, Sandusky. Friends may also visit Saturday, February 28, 2015 at 9:00 am in the funeral home until the time of funeral services at 9:45 am with Pastor Jerry Fenske presiding. Entombment will follow in Meadow Green Memorial Park, Huron, OH.
Those wishing to contribute to James' memory may do so to Stein Hospice Services, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870 or to St. Stephen United Church of Christ, 905 E Perkins Ave, Sandusky, OH 44870.
Condolences may be shared on line at www.grofffuneralhomes.com.
