BELLA VISTA — Major John Ervine Bertsch (USAF Retired),

90, of Bella Vista, Ark., passed away peacefully at home, on Monday, October 25, 2021, after a brief illness with cancer.

John was born in Ottumwa, Iowa, July 20th, 1931, to Daisy Mae (Wilson) and Ervine Bertsch. He graduated from high school, continuing to manage movie theaters before joining the United States Air Force. He served for 20 years as a medical supply officer in hospitals in the U.S. and overseas. He rose to the rank of major,

After retiring from the USAF, John embarked on a career that included serving in the same capacity for Ouachita Baptist Hospital in Hot Springs and then Doctor’s Hospital in Little Rock. For the final third of his career he chose to be a sales manager for UARCO, working in Arkansas, Louisiana, and Texas.

In his retirement years, he enjoyed golf, which he played for 60 years (five holes-inone!), watching soccer and his four grandchildren, Taylor and Shelby Brandon and Hannah and Joseph Niemann.

He is preceded in death by his sister, Judith Martinez of San Bernadino, Calif.

John is survived by his wife, Nancy Ortman, of Bella Vista, Ark.; daughter, Jiki Bertsch- Betts, son- in- law,

Dana Betts of Kneeland, Calif.; brother, James Bertsch of Northglenn, Colo.; and from Little Rock, Arkansas, stepdaughter, Leslie Brandon, son-in-law, Marty Brandon, stepson, Jody Niemann, and dear daughter-in-law Amy Niemann, who provided so much help and comfort during his final days.

A memorial service will be held at 10 a.m. Saturday, October 30th, at the Bella Vista Funeral Home, 2258 Forest Hills Blvd. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Habitat for Humanity. Condolences may be expressed at www.funeralmation.com .