To view the flowers from Gail’s service, click here: Gail Bertsch Flowers
Gail A. Bertsch, 74, Minot, died Thursday, April 28, 2022, in her home with her husband and daughters by her side after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
Gail was born June 14, 1947, in Des Lacs, ND to Thorvald ‘Thor’ and Tilda ‘Tillie’ (Hoiland) Torgrimson. She was educated in Des Lacs, graduating from Des Lacs Burlington High School in 1965. She went on to work for Bell Telephone, Kmart, Miracle Mart, and Choice Hotels.
Gail was united in marriage to David Bertsch on September 12, 1969, at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church in Minot. They settled in rural Minot for many years where they raised their daughters. She looked forward to becoming a grandmother and her face would light up seeing her grandkids.
Gail loved to play BINGO and spent many afternoons playing with her husband or mother-in-law, Lena, before Lena’s passing. David and Gail enjoyed trips to Laughlin, NV after they retired. When her kids were young, they took trips to Medora, Fargo, and Yellowstone as a family. Gail was a very good cook and made several memorable birthday cakes for her girls as kids.
Gail was lovingly and selflessly cared for by her husband David. He provided primary daily care for many years while, together, they battled with the loss of her memory. He was her advocate, caretaker and devoted companion, who loved her without condition. Thank you to Caring Edge, First Light, and Lutheran Social Services for their assistance in providing respite care for Gail.
Gail is survived by her loving husband of 52 years, David, Minot; daughters Kristen (Ernest) Hicks, Aurora, CO and Erin (Kyle) Byre, Minot; grandchildren Ayla and Nolan Byre; sisters Orla Lindell, Minot and Adele (Dennis) Armstrong, Fairhope, AL; brother-in-law Jerry Schaefer along with numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.
Gail was preceded in death by her parents, granddaughter Evie Grace Hicks; niece Rebecca Schaefer, sister Jean Schaefer; brother-in-law Allan Lindell and brother and sister-in-law Donald and Cindy Torgrimson.
Celebration of Life Service: 1:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 4, 2022, at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, Minot with fellowship lunch to follow.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
Visitation: Tuesday, May 3, 2022, from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Memorials are preferred to Alzheimer’s Association (www.alz.org).
