Carol J. Bertram, 91, of Platteville, Wisconsin, died on Monday, October 27, 2025. Carol was born on December 20, 1933, in Dodgeville, Wisconsin, the daughter of Fred and Hazel (Arnold) Friedli. She was united in marriage to Gerald A. Bertram on August 16, 1952, at the Barneveld Lutheran Church. He preceded her in death on February 15, 2021.

Carol and Gerald farmed for a time before moving to Platteville in 1962. She worked for over 20 years as an administrative assistant for the Platteville Community School District, where she worked most of her time at O.E. Gray. Carol enjoyed her work for the schools and “Loved every child.” She was an active member of the Lutheran Church of Peace, Platteville, where she taught Sunday school, served on the church council and Junior Mission board, music and altar committees and served many funeral dinners. She was a care giver for many people throughout her life. Carol and Gerry loved dancing all through their marriage. Carol enjoyed the “Cottage” on Lake Wisconsin for many years with her family and friends.

Carol is survived by her two daughters, Marsha (Mike) Stewart, and their family, Brian (Helen) Stewart and their children, Riley and Emilie, and Jeff (Guillermo Rios) Stewart; Jean (Rob Bell) Olson and her family, Chelsey (Lee) Balsiger and their children, Dakota, Brooks and Reece, and Raelene Olson; sister, Sherry (Jack) Malone; brother-in-law, Gary Clemo; special neighbors and friends, Mike and Doris Alt and Larry Butson; and many close nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her husband, Gerry, her parents, brothers, William “Bill” Friedli and Richard “Dick” Friedli and sister, Karen Clemo.

Funeral services will be at 11:00 AM, Saturday, November 15, 2025, at the Lutheran Church of Peace, Platteville. Visitation will be held on Friday, November 14, 2025, at the Melby Funeral Home & Crematory, Platteville, from 4:00 – 7:00 PM, and will continue on Saturday from 9:30 AM – 10:45 AM at the church. In lieu of flowers memorials can be made to the Carol Bertram Memorial Fund. Online condolences can be made at www.melbyfh.com.

The family extends their heartfelt THANKS to the caring staff of Southwest Health Center Hospital.

CAROL BERTRAM

December 20, 1933 - October 27, 2025

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