Lewis John Bertalotto

Lewis J. "Bert" Bertalotto, 88, of Pittsburg, Kansas passed away unexpectedly Sunday, August 18, 2024, at Ascension Via Christi Hospital surrounded by his family.


Bert was born on June 29, 1936, in rural Pittsburg, KS, the son of Louis and Mildred (Bork) Bertalotto. He attended Minden Mines school and graduated from Pittsburg High School in 1954 where he was Senior Class President and met his future wife, Karolyn. He earned his Bachelor's degree in Chemistry from Pittsburg State University in 1958 where he was selected as Outstanding Senior Man of the Year and served as Student Body President. He was enrolled in ROTC where he served as Company Commander and completed his requirements at Fort McClellan, Alabama and became 1st Lieutenant in the United States Army Chemical Corp. He started his career at Dickey Clay Manufacturing Company later known as Mission Clay Products as a student employee and held various positions for over 60 years advancing to General Manager of the South Central Operations.


He was a member of the First United Methodist Church, where he served in many positions including the Board of Trustees. He and Karolyn (Glick) were married on April 5, 1958 by Dr. Lloyd Rising at the First United Methodist Church.


He is survived by, Karolyn, his wife of 66 years, his two daughters Lu Ann Duval (Chris) of Overland Park, KS, and Lora Grooms (Eric) of Augusta, KS; a sister, Marlene Ossana (Jim) of Pittsburg, KS; a brother Don Bertalotto (Donna) of Tulsa, OK; two grandchildren, Neil Duval (Kaitlyn) of Wheaton, IL, and Lauren Duval Dobesh (Michael) of Springdale, AR; and many nephews, nieces, and cousins.


Bert was proceeded in death by his parents, Louis & Mildred (Bork) Bertalotto and brother Larry.
He treasured time with his family, spending time on his farm, watching his crops grow and raising cattle. He and Karolyn enjoyed traveling for work and pleasure including trips to Italy, Germany, and spending considerable time in San Antonio, TX. He was an avid supporter of Pittsburg State University and Pittsburg State University Athletics. He rarely missed watching the KC Royals and KC Chiefs.


A Celebration of Life will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday September 21st at the Brenner Mortuary with Pastor Daniel Reffner officiating. A visitation will be held one hour prior to the start of the service. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials to the Pittsburg State University Foundation, Inc. Memorials can be mailed to Pittsburg State University, PO Box 4005, Pittsburg, KS 66762. Gifts can be made online at pittstate.edu/givenow or can be left with the funeral home. Arrangements are under the direction of Brenner Mortuary, 114 E. 4th St, Pittsburg, KS.

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