Cecelia Marie Bertram, 95

Cecelia Marie Bertram, age 95, passed away peacefully on March 27, 2020, at Immanuel Lutheran Home.

Cecelia was born July 16, 1924, in Hibbing, Minnesota to Charles and Jeanette Lengstorf. The oldest of nine, she was a second mother to many of her siblings. Her auburn hair and feisty personality earned her the nickname “Red,” all three of which lasted her whole life. She graduated from Deer River High School in 1943. She married returning World War II vet Charlie Bertram in 1945; they were together for 58 years before his passing in 2003.

Charlie’s work for Mills Lumber brought them from Minnesota to Kalispell, to Kemmerer, Wyoming, and then back to Kalispell. Over the years she worked as a bookkeeper for the county courthouse, the original JC Penney’s, Wards, Kalispell Mercantile, and Montana Power. Later she worked for the Agency on Aging and Immanuel Lutheran Comm-unities.

Cecelia was well known for her kindness and generosity. She fed many hungry mill workers at her table where there was always room for one more for a meal or cards and conversation. Her hard work, dedication to detail, phenomenal memory, quick wit, and easy conversation made her a beloved employee everywhere she worked. Later she was a grandma to every child she met, but especially delighted in spoiling her grandchildren, and it was well known her cookie jar was always full.

Cecelia was dedicated to her church and her Lord. She served in many ways but especially through the Ruth Circle and Thimble Club at Trinity Lutheran Church. She fed her family and friends with wonderful meals always accompanied with cherished stories to enthrall us. While always keeping us on our toes with her wry wit served with a mischievous grin and twinkle in her eye.

Cecelia was preceded in death by her infant daughter Lynn; her son Dennis; and her husband Charles Bertram; siblings: Alice (Rusty) Gamble, Charles Lengstorf, Clifford Lengstorf, John Lengstorf, Walter Lengstorf, Floyd Lengstorf, Eileen Murray, four nephews; and one niece.

Cecelia is survived by her sister Laura Rajala of Bigfork, Minnesota; her son David and Susie Bertram of Kalispell; her grandchildren: John and MB Bertram, Casey and Lacey Bertram, and Justin Bertram; and great-grandchildren: Elli, Averi, Spencer, Mamush, Daniel, Thomas, Natalie, and Isaac; eight nieces; and seven nephews.

A private urn burial service with immediate family will be held in July. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to the Thimble Club at Trinity Lutheran Church, Kalispell.

Arrangements are under the care of Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.