Jean Arlene Bertsch

Jean, age 78, passed away on December 25, 2016 after enduring a recent stroke. She was born in Fremont on February 3, 1938 to Ursula (Ziebold) and Clyde Potter. On a snowy Thanksgiving Day on November 26, 1959, she married Donald E. Bertsch. This past November they celebrated their 57th year of marriage. Together they raised two children, Becky (Sean) McDevitt and David Bertsch. Jean was a proud grandmother of four- Katie and Meredith McDevitt and Sydney and Andrew Bertsch. Jean attended St. Ann elementary school and later graduated from Ross High School in 1956. She received her registered nurse diploma from the Mercy School of Nursing in Toledo in 1959. Jean was employed at Fremont Memorial Hospital on various units throughout her 40-year career- 2nd North, ICU and Home Health. She also worked for Doctors Monahan and Wilson. Jean loved being a nurse and helping others and their families. In addition to her career, Jean volunteered her time delivering Mobile Meals, as a camp nurse at Camp Yukita, as a Blue Bird leader, a Cub Scout den mother and a 4-H leader. She was also a member of various community organizations and was named Outstanding Fremont Jaycee Wife in 1968-69.  In the 1970s, Jean taught yoga in her home and in her later years, enjoyed exercising at Curves and playing golf on several golf leagues. She was an avid reader and enjoyed her weekly visits to the Birchard Public library. Jean was a lifelong member of St. Ann Catholic Church. She visited family in many states including California, Washington, Texas, South Carolina, New York and Florida. She also traveled the world with Don, visiting Aruba, New Zealand, Australia and Canada. She is survived by her husband Don; children Becky (Sean) McDevitt and David Bertsch; grandchildren Katie, Meredith, Sydney and Andrew; sisters Sue Ernst and Molly Lucas and brothers Ed Potter and Mike Potter as well as sister-in-law Leona “Birdie” Laurer and many nieces and nephews and cousins. She was preceded in death by her parents; her in-laws Edward and Helen Bertsch, brother-in-law George Laurer and sisters-in-law Marcia Potter and Sandy Potter. Visitation for Jean will be held on Friday, January 6, 2017  from 6-9 p.m. at Herman-Karlovetz Funeral Home and Cremation Services. A celebration of her life and Mass of Christian burial will take place on Saturday, January 7, 2017 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Ann Catholic Church in Fremont, OH. Father Michael Zacharias will officiate. Burial will be at St. Ann Catholic cemetery immediately following funeral. Jean was also a long time breast cancer survivor. The family recommends any donations you wish to consider should be made to breast cancer awareness or St. Ann Church.