Obituary of Rev. John Gordon Bertelsmeyer

Of Vassar, age 87, died Wednesday, February 20, 2013 at his home with his wife at his side. The funeral service will take place 11:00 am Monday, February 25, 2013 at the First Baptist Church in Vassar. Pastor David Somers will officiate with burial to follow in Riverside Cemetery. Family will receive friends at Martin Funeral Home in Vassar on Sunday February 24, 2013 from 2:00 pm to 5:00 pm and 7:00 pm to 9:00pm. Monday John will be taken to the church and visitation will be from 10:00 am until the time of the funeral at 11:00 am. Those desiring may make donations to the First Baptist Church Missions Ministry. Envelopes are available at the funeral home and church. John was born September 1, 1925 in St. Louis, Missouri the son of Mr. and Mrs. John and Florence (Worstenholm) Bertelsmeyer. John was a graduate of Principia High School in St. Louis, Missouri. He served in the U. S. Navy during WWII, participating in the Battles of Okinawa and Iwo Jima, among others. In 1947 he married Shirley Jean Howell and they had four children: Susan, Sherry, Shannon, and Scott. Shirley preceded him in death in 1990. In 1958, while working as a manager for A & P stores in Flint, Michigan, he felt called to become a minister of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He attended Grand Rapids Baptist Theological Seminary and Bible Institute, graduating in 1962 receiving his Bachelor's Degree in Ministry. In July 1963 he became the pastor of the First Baptist Church of Vassar. He served as pastor for 19 years, retiring in October of 1982. He married Nancy Wade in 2001. John enjoyed golfing, tennis, bowling, and other athletics. His passion was bringing the Gospel to everyone he came in contact with and spending time with his grandchildren. He loved to read and listen to Gospel and Big Band music. John was preceded in death by his sister, June; parents, Florence and John; and wife Shirley Jean. Surviving are his four children: Susan and husband Mike Long, Sherry Nabring, Shannon Rose; and Scott Bertelsmeyer. Also surviving are seven grandchildren; Jennifer Sue Long; Larissa Rose and husband John Partenope; Becky Jean Long; Patricia Nicole Bertelsmeyer; Kimberly Ann Bertelsmeyer and husband John McLaughlin; Michael Allen Bertelsmeyer; Heather Jo Bertelsmeyer and fiance Brian. He leaves three great grandchildren; Brandon Lee Bertelsmeyer; Savannah Nicole Bertelsmeyer; and Bridget Paige Colosky. John is also survived by his devoted wife of eleven years Nancy (Wade) Bertelsmeyer and step children; Amanda Nicole and husband John Vandenbrooks; Sandra Neil; Candice Schatz; and Kathleen and husband Luke Irey; Step grandchildren; Ian and A.J. Vandenbrooks; Olivia and Elizabeth Neil, Lilianna Seay and Beckett Schatz, Amelia and Benjamin Irey.