Alf Bertling

Alf Bertling, age 89, died Monday evening February 26, 2007 Alf Bertling, age 89, died Monday evening February 26, 2007 at Vernon Manor Nursing Home. Alf was born September 11, 1917 at the Bertling home farm in rural Cashton to John F. and Agnes (Helgheim) Bertling. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith at Moen Immanuel Church, rural Cashton. On March 26, 1938 he was united in marriage to Clarissa Anderson. Together they farmed. They moved to the Viroqua area in 1940 and in 1941 moved to "The Farm" west of Viroqua. In 1952 the family moved to their new home on East Broadway in Viroqua. Alf established his general contractor business, which he would continue for more than 40 years. Alf enjoyed traveling, especially his trips to Norway. He also enjoyed entertaining guests from Norway. After moving back to "The Farm" in 1969, he enjoyed gardening and planting trees, and in later years going for car rides. Alf was a member of Good Shepherd Lutheran Church where he taught Sunday School and served on the church council. He was a member and past president of Sons of Norway Jotunheimen Lodge #286. Alf cherished his Norwegian Heritage, family gatherings, his grandchildren and precious great-granddaughter Chloe, "who made great-Grandpa smile". Alf is survived by his devoted wife of 68 years, Clarissa, his daughter Cathi (Larry) Skolos; grandchildren: Ben (Katie) Skolos, Carina (Mark Olson) Skolos, Lars, and Margaret (Ryan Peterson) Skolos; and one great-granddaughter Chloe. He is further survived by his sisters: Lillian Hilden, Judith Jothen, and Nora Marie Jernander; sisters-in-law: Ruth Bertling, Hazel Kjelland and Olga Jackson; one cousin, Lindahl (Virginia) Luckasson as well as nieces, nephews, other relatives, and many friends. He is preceded in death by his parents, two brothers: Orval Bertling and Lt. Norbert Bertling. Blessed be his memory. Funeral services will be held on Saturday, March 3, 2007 at 1:00 p.m. at Good Shepherd Lutheran Church in Viroqua. Pastor Lindsay Paul Jordan will officiate with burial in the Moen Immanuel Lutheran Church Cemetery in Rural Cashton. Friends may call at the church after 12:00. The Vosseteig-Larson Funeral Home of Viroqua is serving the family.