David L. Bertelsen

David L. Bertelsen, age 77, of Wibaux, Montana, passed away on Saturday, November 19, 2022, at the Sidney Health Center in Sidney, Montana. A Celebration of Life will be held at 10:30 A.M. on Saturday, May 6, 2023, at the Wibaux County Fairgrounds with Pastor Richard Evans officiating. Silha Funeral Home of Wibaux has been entrusted with the arrangements. Dave was born on August 15, 1945 to Verner and Marjorie (Wendt) Bertelsen at the hospital in Missoula, Montana. His early years were spent on his family’s ranch in Ovando, Montana. He attended grade school in Ovando and high school in Deer Lodge, where he graduated in 1963. Following high school, Dave attended Montana State University in Bozeman, MT. He earned his Bachelor’s Degree in Agricultural Production in 1969. While at MSU he met his wife, Karen Cranston. Dave and Karen were married in June of 1970. They moved to Missoula, MT in 1971 where he worked as a County Extension Agent, and Karen finished her degree. After Karen graduated in 1972, they moved to Ovando to take over his Uncle Ned's ranch. They remained on the ranch for ten years, where they welcomed their two sons Jeff and Gregg. The family moved to Sidney in 1982 where Dave worked at the Agricultural Stabilization and Conservation Service for two years. They moved to Belgrade, MT in 1985 for Dave to pursue his Master's Degree. He graduated in 1987 with a Masters in Agricultural Education from Montana State University. From there, Dave accepted a position as a County Extension agent in Wibaux, MT which he held for twenty-eight years. Dave was always active in the community serving as Secretary of the Wibaux County Fair Board and Manager of the Wibaux County Fair. He was a member of the Wibaux Chamber of Commerce, Rocky Mountain Association of Fairs, and the Wibaux Volunteer Fire Department. He served on City Council for twenty-eight years and as Mayor for eight of those years. He was instrumental in getting a visitor center/rest area built in Wibaux and in upgrading and expanding the Wibaux County Fairgrounds. He helped start the Wibaux Health Fair and aided in the creation of the Wibaux Endowment Fund. He also served as Chairman of the Board for the Wibaux United Methodist Church. Dave was known for his positivity. Whether whistling cheerfully in the mornings as he got ready for his day or frequently telling others, “You do good work," he enjoyed life. He also had a love of ice cream. He would search out places, when he traveled, to find a good milkshake. He shared his love for ice cream with his family, by making milkshakes with his grandkids when they would come to visit. Dave enjoyed working in his yard, jogging, and lifting weights with his son, Jeff. Dave was also a HUGE sports fan and rarely missed attending any of his children's or grandchildren’s activities. He traveled many miles with his wife, sons, or daughters-in-law following his grandkids to their activities. His favorite pass time was Wibaux Longhorn football where his signature "Woo Hoo!!" will be greatly missed. Dave passed peacefully while listening to his alma mater the Bobcats play the Grizzlies in the 121st “Brawl of the Wild”. We are certain it put him at ease to know that the Cats were leading the Griz 28-7 at the beginning of the second quarter. Dave was preceded in death by his parents, Verner and Marjorie, and his brother, Allen Bertelsen. Dave is survived by his wife of fifty-two years, Karen of Beach, ND; his sons, Jeff (Tina) Bertelsen of Wibaux and Gregg (Jessica) Bertelsen of Dickinson, ND; his grandchildren, Travis (Jonna) of Beach, Chase of Billings, MT, Shantel of Dickinson and Trenten of Moorhead, MN; and his great-grandchildren Rhett, Ryker, and Renleigh, and his sister, Annette Bertelsen of Montpelier, VT; We would like to thank Dr. Pedersen, the nurses, and the staff at the Sidney Health Center and Cancer Unit. We would especially like to thank those who so lovingly cared for Dave during his final days. In lieu of flowers please send donations to the Wibaux Endowment Fund. Donations may be mailed to The Wibaux Endowment Foundation, PO Box 248, Wibaux, MT 59353 or made online https://www.mtcf.org/Giving/Give-Now choose The Wibaux Endowment Foundation in the Select Fund or Cause drop-down box. Remembrances and condolences may be shared with the family at: www.silhafuneralhomes.com.

David L. Bertelsen

August 15, 1945 - November 19, 2022

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David L. Bertelsen

August 15, 1945 - November 19, 2022

What We Do

Flowers & Gifts

Plan Ahead

About Us

Resources

Obituaries

Grief & Healing

Contact Information

365 Days of Grief Support