U.S. Veteran

Melvin E. “Mel” Bertram, 83, of Platteville, died on Monday, September 11, 2017 at Grays Nursing Home, Platteville. Funeral services will be at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, September 16, 2017 at the Lutheran Church of Peace, Platteville. Rev. Jeff Pedersen will officiate. Burial will be at the Harrison Cemetery. Friends may call from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. on Friday at the Melby Funeral & Crematory, Platteville, or from 9:00 a.m. until the time of the service on Saturday. Memorials may be made to the Melvin E. “Mel” Bertram Memorial Fund. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com

Mel was born in Harrison Township, Grant County on June 12, 1934, son of Ernest and Leona (Schiffman) Bertram. He was united in marriage to Virginia L. Hamilton on October 8, 1960 at Peace Lutheran Church, Platteville. Mel served in the US Army, National Guard from 1952 – 1960. Mel was a farmer in Harrison Township for many years. Mel was very proud of his family having a Century Farm. While farming Mel also worked at the Dubuque Pack for 13 years. After retiring from farming he moved south of Platteville in 1992, during his retirement he enjoyed working on his hobby farm and worked part-time for the Shopping News. He was a member of the Lutheran Church of Peace, where he served on the church council. He was an avid bowler, golfer and tractor puller, where he enjoyed many personal achievements. He liked to travel, hunt, play cards and follow the Packers and Badgers. Mel really enjoyed following his children and grandchildren in all of their school activities.

He is survived by his wife, Virginia; children, Debra (Jon) Knautz, Steve (Marsha) Bertram, Mike (Bev) Bertram, Rozanne Williams and Sheri Richardson; 14 grandchildren; 23 great-grandchildren; sister, Verna Coward; and many nieces and nephews. He was preceded in death by his parents, granddaughter, Candice, great-granddaughter, Brookelynne, infant brother, “little Lee” and sisters, Doris Bertram, Ileen Brunton and Geraldine Kay.

Melvin Bertram

June 12, 1934 - September 11, 2017

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