Paul Julius Bertram

Paul Julius Bertram, 68, departed to his heavenly home on February 11, 2010. Paul was born on June 22, 1941, in Cleveland, OH, son of the late Gerhardt Paul and Erna (Schmidt) Bertram. He was also preceded in death by his best friend in life, Ray Harrington of Farmington. Paul moved to Farmington with his family in 1960 from Phoenix, AZ, when his father became Principal of St. Paul Lutheran School. On the very day he arrived in Farmington, he met Myra Loesel, the Ministers daughter, who he later married on June 12, 1965. They were blessed with two sons, William Paul Bertram (Ann) and Eric Paul Bertram (Sarah), also loving grandchildren, Chelsea Ann, Bailey Ann, Nicholas Paul, Kala Savanah, Ella Jane, and step-grandchildren, Emilie Marie and Samuel Lee Thompson, all of Farmington. Also surviving are siblings Phyllis Kluver (Kenneth), and Gary Bertram (Jennie) all of Farmington, Celeste Doerr (Robert) of New Haven, Dale Bertram (Kim) of Wright City, a brother-in-law Frederick Loesel of Olivette, MO, and sisters-in-law, Lois Fehrmann (Rev. Walter) of Jackson, Esther Wuebben (Rev. James) of Lake Havasu,AZ. Prior to moving to Farmington, Paul operated the largest computer west of the Mississippi at First National Bank of Phoenix. Paul enjoyed working his dream cattle farm, building their first home, barns and forever repairing fences and tractors. He eventually built and remodeled homes, creating a rental property business. He also owned and operated Bertram Auto Repair and Wrecker Service for many years on Ste. Genevieve Avenue in Farmington. His shop became a center for high school float building, producing FHSs first automated parade float. His largest red wrecker escorted FHSs football team as The Knight Wrecking Crew in several homecoming parades. Pauls faith and trust for his salvation was in Jesus Christ and he was a member of St. Paul Lutheran Church where he served as trustee, school board member, choir member and soloist. He enjoyed boating, fishing and touring 49 states, Canada and Mexico. He loved sharing life stories with his many friends and family who will truly miss his wit and friendship. The family will receive friends at St. Paul Lutheran Church from 11 a.m. to 1:45 p.m. on Saturday, February 13, 2010. A funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. with Pastor David Oddi officiating. Burial will be at St. Paul Lutheran Cemetery. Memorials may be made to St. Paul Lutheran School or the American Cancer Society. Funeral arrangements are under the direction of Cozean Memorial Chapel. View Tribute Video and share your condolences and memories at cozean.biz.