Frederick "Fred" Bertram

Frederick “Fred” Bertram, 87, of Robinson, IL died on Saturday, December 16, 2017. He was born on November 8, 1930 in Moline, IL, the son of Richard Bertram, Sr. & Alice (Van Houtte) Bertram, both whom preceded in death. He married Shirley Dawdy on January 20, 1952 and she preceded him in death on September 16, 1990. He then married Alice (Ayres) Carter on November 20, 1993, and she too preceded him in death on May 19, 2008. He was also preceded in death by his brother, Richard Bertram, Jr.; by his step-mother Lena Bertram; by his step-brother, Harold King; by his sister & brother-in-law, Marie M. & Warren Ray Scott; and by his sister-in-law, Sue Bertram. He is survived by his brother, Don Bertram (Robinson, IL); as well as several nieces and nephews. Fred proudly served his country in the U.S. Navy during the Korean War. Back home, his heart for selfless service continued in the Jacksonville, IL Fire Dept. There, he served his community for 20 years, before retiring in the early 1980s Fred was active outside of the department. He was a longtime member of the Knights of Columbus Council #868 in Jacksonville, IL, where he also served as Grand Knight from 1971 to 1973. He also served as District Deputy from 1974-1978 and earned his Fourth Degree with the Bishop Griffin Assembly of Springfield. Following a move to Robinson, IL Fred became active in a number of area organizations. He was a lifetime member of the V.F.W. Post #4549 in Robinson, where he also served as commander from 1991 to 1993 and then from 2000 to 2003. He was also a member of the Robinson American Legion Post #69, the Lawrenceville Moose Lodge #779, and the Military Order of the Cooties Pup Tent #48, with whom he was a lifetime member. In recognition of his exceptional volunteerism, Fred was presented with the President’s “Points of Light” award in 2004. His country and his community have lost a patriot and a hometown hero. He was a longtime parishioner of St. Elizabeth Catholic Church in Robinson, IL. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00–6:00 p.m. on Wednesday, December 20th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. A graveside service will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Thursday, December 21st at the White Hall Cemetery, White Hall, IL, with Celebrant Curt Goodwine officiating. Memorials may be made to the V.F.W. Transportation Fund, with envelopes available at the funeral home.