A Loving Tribute

     Willie D. And Glenna Lee Bertram

     My father-in-law died yesterday at the age of 91. Despite his advanced years, the relationship I had with him was a relatively new one-- I joined the family less than 7 years ago. Because of a significant hearing loss (especially with soft spoken female voices like mine), we never could enjoy lengthy conversations. Most of what I know about this man is through his family-- recollections of the three fine sons Willie and Glenna raised. Glenna passed away before I met her son, so I never had the chance to get to know her either. These were ordinary people who led ordinary lives but had extraordinary influence on their family. They leave a legacy to their sons of honesty, integrity, hard work, family love, and patriotism.  They truly were a part of what Tom Brokaw has called The Greatest Generation.

     Willie was raised in rural western Kentucky during some very hard times. The son of hard working people, he also was a hard worker, and honest to his very core. I was reminded of a story by my brother-in-law this morning of a time when he was given $.08 too much change from a gas station attendant. He discovered this upon arrival at home, and so turned around, drove back to the gas station and reimbursed the attendant for the error. What an incredible example that was to his young sons!

     When World War II broke out, Willie did his duty and enlisted in the US Navy. He served in the Pacific and on several ships. He survived a German U-Boat attack on a merchant marine vessel he had been assigned to as a gunner's mate. The ship was torpedoed and sunk while traveling around the horn of Africa, and he and his ship mates were set adrift in the Indian Ocean. Willie was not physically injured in this attack so he never got a purple heart medal, but the experience put a shadow on his spirit for the rest of his days. He reacted to unexpected loud noises with a startle, and when coming out of general anesthesia a couple times became combative, believing for a moment that he was still on that life boat. 

     When the war ended, Willie came home to marry his sweetheart Glenna. They raised three sons-- Jonn, Lanny and Chuck. Willie moved the family to Indiana to find work, and ended up working for Allison Transmission for the remainder of his work life. As a father, he was seen as hard working, uncompromising when it came to setting high standards for his boys. Glenna mothered them all with wonderful food and gentle moral teaching. Willie set the rules and insisted they be followed. Lest this sound too harsh, he also took them fishing and attended his share of ball games and orchestra recitals. He and Glenna together set the moral compass for each of their sons, and as a newer family member I can attest to the success of their endeavors. Jonn, Lanny and Chuck are all hard working to a fault, honest men with moral integrity and strong family ties. 

     I think retirement was difficult for Willie. He did not have hobbies, and was used to hard work and routine. His wife's passing left him without his partner, and that robbed him of a great deal of enjoyment of life. He relished stories of what the family was doing though, and kept up with current events by devotion to the 6 pm news (all of us knew not to call or visit during the evening news broadcast!) He enjoyed family get togethers too, despite his difficulty in communicating.  His seat at our table will seem very empty for many years to come.

     I was very blessed to become a Bertram, and honored to have known Willie as my father-in-law. This quiet, shy, unassuming man had a profound effect on my husband's life and thus on mine. He lived an honorable life worth celebrating!

Lanny, Chuck and Jonn at their father's 90th birthday celebration