PEARL ANN (WANOUS) BERTSCH
Born October 10th, 1938 in Britton, SD, Pearl was the youngest of five Bohemian/ German decedents to Nobert and Velva (Siebel) Wanous. Pearl attended and graduated from Kidder High in 1956 in a class of four. She was active in basketball, girl’s state and choir. “Go Tigers!” As time passed, Pearl was instrumental in organizing class reunions for Kidder High. Following graduation, she attended Valley City State University for two years.
In her early twenties, Pearl traveled by bus to Houston, TX. While there she spent $1.50 to see her favorite singer, “Elvis Presley” at the Houston Astrodome. She then traveled to Los Angeles, CA where she began her employment as a bookkeeper and secretary at a local refrigeration company. It was there that her brother John introduced her to her soulmate, a sailor, Clayton Bertsch, who was stationed in Long Beach, CA.
They were united in marriage in Kidder, SD on January 3rd, 1959.
Born to their union were three daughters, Melody, Lesha, and Dawn. Pearl’s greatest accomplishments were “her girls”. She instilled in them the importance of hard work, generosity, and most important of all, family.
Pearl began her career at the North Dakota State Hospital in 1959, where she spent her life committed to helping others. While there, she worked in several different positions over the course of 42 years. Pearl was no stranger to hard work, if something needed to be done, she was the person.
After her retirement, Clayton and Pearl moved to their farm near Ypsilanti, where she cherished the beauty and enjoyed the calm of their home, which she named “Miracle Acres”. Every day thereafter, she continued to live a rich and fulfilling life of significance. She was proud of having their picture perfect farm featured in the Jamestown Sun several times.
Pearl was active in Jay Notes, Elkettes, New West Heritage Riders, an all women precision horse drill team. Pearl and her family traveled to many rodeos and parades in ND and surrounding states.
One of her greatest passions was cooking. She entered and won several contests, including representing ND at the national level in Sacramento, CA and Atlanta, GA.
As a Grandmother she was a faithful cheerleader for her five granddaughters. She put thousands of miles on her Cadillac traveling to their sports and events. Displayed on her refrigerator were many arts & crafts and school pictures for all to see.
Pearl lived life on her own terms. She was feisty, funny, strong-willed, beautiful, and overly generous, sometimes slipping cash or gift cards into people’s pockets or by sending cards. If Pearl knew your birthday you were assured to receive a card. She was adamant that the traditions were carried on and done properly. The values she passed on to her children and grandchildren will live on forever.
Pearl will be remembered for decorating for every holiday or season, and her attention to detail was noted, “If you are going to do something, do it right the first time”.
At the time of her passing she was surrounded by her loving family and will be forever missed.
Pearl leaves behind her husband of 62 years, Clayton. Daughters Melody (Mark) Peterson, Lesha Olson, Dawn (Craig) Headland. Her heartbroken granddaughters, Emmy (Bryan) Niewind, Callie (Ryan) Schnell, Ashten (Jason) McGovern, Claycee (Tyler) Steffan and Sydney Headland. Great Grandchildren, Ava and Noah Niewind, River and Henry McGovern, and Crosby and Kyrie Steffan. Brother John Wanous and Sister Nadine Langston, along with nieces and nephews.
Preceded in death are her parents Norbert and Velva, Brother Norbert Jr, Sister Nelva Kristofferson and infant Daughter JayCee.
Prayer Service: 7pm, Friday, August 27th at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
Funeral Service: 11am, Saturday, August 28th at St. Paul’s United Methodist Church
The family requests memorials to be sent to Jamestown Regional Medical Center, in honor of Pearl Ann Bertsch.
“Remembering the past can bring hope to the present”.
“Family is like branches on a tree, we grow in different directions, yet our roots remain as one”.
Arrangements are in the care of Eddy Funeral Home.