Gene Bertrand

Gene L. Bertrand, 84, of Oakley, died Wednesday, April 10, 2019, at the Logan County Hospital. He was born February 12, 1935, in Grainfield, KS, to Ernest and Ruth (Widdifield) Bertrand. He graduated from Oakley High School. Gene married Anita Portschi on November 24, 1956. He was a rancher and enjoyed nature, hunting, water sports, exploring innovations in agriculture and had a lifelong love of teaching and learning. In addition to ranching he served as the mayor of Oakley, owned Gene’s OK tire, and served on the Board of Directors of Manhattan Christian College. He also enjoyed serving as an elder, leader and teacher in the Oakley Christian Church and supporting Christian missions.

Gene was preceded in death by his parents and siblings Robert Bertrand and Louise Voth.

He is survived by his wife Anita, of the home; children, Pam Evans and husband Ewing, Kevin Bertrand and wife Gina, Brent Bertrand and wife Shilea; brother and wife Richard and Elaine Bertrand; sister and husband Janice and Keith Owen; eight grandchildren and thirteen great grandchildren.

A memorial service will take place at 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 18, 2019, at the Oakley Christian Church. Memorials are suggested to the Logan County Hospital and the Oakley Christian Church in care of Baalmann Mortuary, PO Box 391, Colby, KS 67701. For condolences or information visit www.baalmannmortuary.com