Pat Bertling, of Jordan (formerly of Michigan), passed away July 29, 2023 at the age of 89. She was a loving and caring mom, grandma and great-grandma; she will be missed by all who loved her.
A Celebration of Life will be held at Ballard-Sunder Funeral & Cremation (104 First Street West) in Jordan on Thursday, August 17, 2023 from 4:00 – 6:00 PM with Closing Prayers at 6:00 PM.
On March 5, 1934, Haskell & Catherine Peterson celebrated the birth of their daughter, Patricia Jeannette Peterson. Pat loved growing up on the family farm in Pentwater, MI. She and her older sister Vivian were always very close even though there was eight years between them. Early on, Pat learned the importance of hard work. One of her favorite jobs was waitressing at the same diner as her sister. The customers frequently mixed them up, but Pat and Vivian always got a kick out of this.
Pat was blessed with three wonderful children who were the light of her life. She loved Vicky, Joe and Tammy more than anything else. As a single mom, Pat worked very hard to support her family and often held down two jobs. They were always very close to Pat’s parents and sister who were a great support to Pat over the years. Her kids loved spending time with their extended family in Ann Arbor. Family was always the most important thing in Pat’s life, and she passed this strong family value onto the next generation. Pat was absolutely delighted when her grandkids came along. She made it a point to have a relationship with each of them. Every Friday, she’d take Joe and James out for lunch after getting her hair done.
After an early retirement due to an on-the-job injury, Pat came out to Jordan, MN to visit her daughter and ended up staying for over 20 years. The Jordan community quickly embraced Pat. She made many wonderful friends at the Schule Haus and Oak Terrace. This also gave her a chance to spend more time with her grandsons, Tyler and William. Tammy & Bill embraced their caregiving role and took wonderful care of Pat the entire time she lived in MN.
In her free time, Pat enjoyed playing BINGO, going on adventures with friends and being with her family. She also enjoyed seeing new places and took a very memorable trip to Arizona with some dear friends. Pat always knew how to have a good time, but she could also give it to you straight. It was the perfect combination!
Pat was a strong, determined and independent woman, but she will be remembered always for her kind heart. Pat is survived by her children, Vicky Bertling, Joe (Pam) Bertling and Tammy (Bill) Duguay; grandchildren, Joseph Bertling, James Bertling, Tyler (Karyssa) Shoemaker, William Duguay; great-grandkids, Hayden & Ananiah Shoemaker; niece, Cheryl Hinkel. Pat was greeted in Heaven by her parents, Haskell & Catherine Peterson; sister, Vivian (Burt) Clawson.
