Rodger Bertke

Rodger G. Bertke, 70, of Chardon Township, passed away Sept. 3, 2011, at Blossom Hill Care Center in Huntsburg Township. Born in Cleveland, on June 7, 1941, he was a Chardon Township resident since 1950. He was a graduate of Chardon High School, Class of 1959. Rodger G. Bertke married Andrea J. Ahonen on July 2, 1960, at the Church of St. Mary in Chardon. He was a member of the Church of St. Mary in Chardon, chairman of St. Mary’s Bingo for many years, member of the Chardon Lions Club, and charter member of the East Side Irish Club. Rodger was owner and operator of the former Bertke Plumbing and Heating in Chardon for over 46 years. He was also co-owner of the former Tri Country Kamp Inn, Montville Township. Survivors are his wife, Andrea J. Bertke of Chardon Township; daughters, Kelly B. (Michael) Freeman of Indianapolis, Ind., Laurie (Craig) Manahan of Lyndhurst, Stacey Bertke (John Vadas) of Mentor, and Heidi (Matthew) Gilbride of Lyndhurst; grandchildren, Jennifer, Robert, Jacquelyn, Ryan and Jessica; sister, Lyn Lewis of Honolulu, Hawaii; brother, Ralph Bertke Jr. of California; and best friend, Patricia Ash Prusha. He was preceded in death by his mother, Aileen C. (Winters) Bertke; in-laws, Mary G. and Arthur W. Ahonen; and best friend, Ronald Prusha. Memorial Mass will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday, Sept. 7, 2011, at the Church of St. Mary, 402 North St. (north of Chardon Square), in Chardon. Family will receive friends at the church following the service. Contributions may be made to Hospice of the Western Reserve, 300 E. 185 St., Cleveland, OH 44119 or Salvation Army, 2507 E. 22 St., Cleveland, OH 44115.