Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend Charles Chandler Bertels, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2003. Son of Alvis and Vera Marie (Caldwell) Bertels, Charles was born November 3, 1931 in Deer Trail, Colorado. Friends and family will remember Charles' way with words, keen sense of humor, sound judgment, intelligence, and unfailing generosity. Charles was our anchor, always ready with help and advice. He will be greatly missed.
A well-read man of wide experience, Charles seemed to know something about everything, but his special interests were history, current events, and politics. He loved good food, cooking, and raising vegetables. His life-long passion was fishing, and his naval career enabled him to practice the sport around the world. He enjoyed saltwater and freshwater fishing of all kinds, but particularly loved fly fishing and the art of fly tying.
Charles enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Electrician's Mate at age 19. He was highly regarded for his leadership, professionalism, and devotion to the Navy. Consistently recommended for early promotion throughout his 25-year naval career, he was commissioned as a Warrant Officer in 1966 and retired with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CW03) in 1975. His assignments included tours on the USS Forrestal, USS Saratoga, USS Independence and USS Enterprise.
After retirement, Charles served 6 years as a Corrections Officer at the Whatcom County Jail while pursuing an interest in beekeeping. He eventually became a beekeeper full-time.
Charles is survived by his wife of 46 years and eleven children and their spouses. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, one great grandchild, one brother, two sisters, and many nieces and nephews.
A well-read man of wide experience, Charles seemed to know something about everything, but his special interests were history, current events, and politics. He loved good food, cooking, and raising vegetables. His life-long passion was fishing, and his naval career enabled him to practice the sport around the world. He enjoyed saltwater and freshwater fishing of all kinds, but particularly loved fly fishing and the art of fly tying.
Charles enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Electrician's Mate at age 19. He was highly regarded for his leadership, professionalism, and devotion to the Navy. Consistently recommended for early promotion throughout his 25-year naval career, he was commissioned as a Warrant Officer in 1966 and retired with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CW03) in 1975. His assignments included tours on the USS Forrestal, USS Saratoga, USS Independence and USS Enterprise.
After retirement, Charles served 6 years as a Corrections Officer at the Whatcom County Jail while pursuing an interest in beekeeping. He eventually became a beekeeper full-time.
Charles is survived by his wife of 46 years and eleven children and their spouses. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, one great grandchild, one brother, two sisters, and many nieces and nephews.
Beloved husband, father, grandfather, great-grandfather, brother, and friend Charles Chandler Bertels, passed away on Wednesday, April 16, 2003. Son of Alvis and Vera Marie (Caldwell) Bertels, Charles was born November 3, 1931 in Deer Trail, Colorado. Friends and family will remember Charles' way with words, keen sense of humor, sound judgment, intelligence, and unfailing generosity. Charles was our anchor, always ready with help and advice. He will be greatly missed.
A well-read man of wide experience, Charles seemed to know something about everything, but his special interests were history, current events, and politics. He loved good food, cooking, and raising vegetables. His life-long passion was fishing, and his naval career enabled him to practice the sport around the world. He enjoyed saltwater and freshwater fishing of all kinds, but particularly loved fly fishing and the art of fly tying.
Charles enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Electrician's Mate at age 19. He was highly regarded for his leadership, professionalism, and devotion to the Navy. Consistently recommended for early promotion throughout his 25-year naval career, he was commissioned as a Warrant Officer in 1966 and retired with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CW03) in 1975. His assignments included tours on the USS Forrestal, USS Saratoga, USS Independence and USS Enterprise.
After retirement, Charles served 6 years as a Corrections Officer at the Whatcom County Jail while pursuing an interest in beekeeping. He eventually became a beekeeper full-time.
Charles is survived by his wife of 46 years and eleven children and their spouses. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, one great grandchild, one brother, two sisters, and many nieces and nephews.
A well-read man of wide experience, Charles seemed to know something about everything, but his special interests were history, current events, and politics. He loved good food, cooking, and raising vegetables. His life-long passion was fishing, and his naval career enabled him to practice the sport around the world. He enjoyed saltwater and freshwater fishing of all kinds, but particularly loved fly fishing and the art of fly tying.
Charles enlisted in the U.S. Navy as an Aviation Electrician's Mate at age 19. He was highly regarded for his leadership, professionalism, and devotion to the Navy. Consistently recommended for early promotion throughout his 25-year naval career, he was commissioned as a Warrant Officer in 1966 and retired with the rank of Chief Warrant Officer (CW03) in 1975. His assignments included tours on the USS Forrestal, USS Saratoga, USS Independence and USS Enterprise.
After retirement, Charles served 6 years as a Corrections Officer at the Whatcom County Jail while pursuing an interest in beekeeping. He eventually became a beekeeper full-time.
Charles is survived by his wife of 46 years and eleven children and their spouses. He is also survived by 20 grandchildren, one great grandchild, one brother, two sisters, and many nieces and nephews.
