Josephine Florence Bertsch

Obituary Josephine Bertsch Josephine F. Bertsch, 83, died February 7, 2009 in Tacoma, WA. She was born on August 28, 1925 in Esmond, ND to Dr. Edward S. and Emma C. O'Hare. She earned her teaching certificate from Mayville State Teachers College and later taught in a one-room school house. She married Michael P. Bertsch on June 15, 1950 and lived on a farm in Wellsburg, ND. She moved to Tacoma from Grand Forks, ND in 1958 and had been a resident for the past 50 years. She was an avid quilter who took great pride in her handiwork. She enjoyed reading and completing the daily crossword puzzles. In recent years she spent time volunteering in the Tacoma school district, tutoring middle school reading. She loved spending time with her grandchildren and cooking for her family. She also looked forward to regular phone calls from her sister-in-law Delores Bertsch to discuss politics and current events. She is survived by her daughter Jean M. Bertsch of Rochester, WA; son Donavan M. (Robin) Bertsch of Tacoma, WA; and daughter Kathleen A. (Victor) Valenzuela of Tacoma, WA. She took special joy in her nine grandchildren: Karen, Michele, Laura, Ryan, Kristen, Brittany, Deshawn, Garett, and Alicia, and her five great-grandchildren. Survivors also include her brother Matthew J. (Ruth) O'Hare, and sisters Marian L. Eberle and Claire (Ralph) Rodamaker. She is predeceased by her husband Michael P. Bertsch, her brother Edward C. O'Hare, her sister Audrey N. Braaten, and her son William E. Bertsch. The family would like to especially thank Lee and Jaimie at Renaissance Court Home in Tacoma, WA. Vigil service will be held Thursday, February 12 at 7:00 PM at Gaffney Funeral Home. A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, February 13 at 11:00 AM at Holy Rosary Catholic Church. Please leave online condolences at www.GaffneyCares.com. Arrangements by Gaffney Funeral Home, 253-572-6003.