Stephen Eugene Bertelson (Plainview)

Stephen Eugene Bertelson was born October 13, 1950 to Albert Carl and Lena Faye (McGaugh) Bertelson. He went to leap with joy in front of God's throne on February 3,2025. He was raised on a farm 20 miles east of Kress, Texas, which he considered better than Disney World. He was baptized at Christ Lutheran Church in Tulia, Texas, in 1950, and he attended faithfully until the church was closed in the 1990's, holding many offices and doing all he could to further the Lord's work there.

He graduated from Kress High School in 1969 and attended South Plains College at Levelland for three semesters. His draft lottery number was low, so in December of 1970 he joined the Army, hoping for a better deal than infantryman in Viet Nam. He went through Basic and AlT, and then was chosen for Officers' Candidate School at Ft. Benning, Georgia. By the time he was done with all his training, he had too little time left to be sent to Viet Nam, so he was serving out his time at Ft. Hood, when he was injured in an accident and became paralyzed. Thereafter, he was cared for lovingly at home by first his parents, and then by who he considered to be his gift from God, his wife Judy, until he entered the nursing home in October of 2024.

He loved his community, serving on the Library Board of Swisher County, and the Tax Review Board. lt was hard for him to participate in many things, but he enjoyed helping when he could.

He and Judy Garner Brandes were married May 25, 1991. From that marriage he gained children and grandchildren, with which he never expected to be blessed. He loved them all dearly, and they enriched his life every day. 

Steve was preceded in death by his parents, brother Ronnie, and great granddaughter, Madeline Genevieve Brotherton.

He is survived by his wife, Judy, of the home. His sisters, Jane Wherritt and husband Phil, and Dee Ann Hays and husband Jim, his beloved sister-in-law, Donice Hays and husband Kim. Nephews Lee Bertelson and wife Rebecca, Jeffrey Wright, Coy Wright and wife Tessa; and niece, Manda Rosser and husband Wynn.

Stepdaughters Robin Brotherton and husband Ricky, grandchildren Rebecca Brotherton and Ethan Brotherton and wife, Neely, Cathy Ferguson and husband Damon, and grandson Garrett Ferguson, and his little great grandson, Camden Brotherton.

Grandnieces Katelyn and Emma Bertelson, Reagan Redding, and Aubrey Rosser; Emerson, Elliot and Mae Wright; and grandnephews Cotton and Leland Rosser. He is also survived by his wonderful friends from high school and the Claytonville community.

His mortal remains will be laid to rest at Kress, Texas, there to await the resurrection of all life.

A funeral service will be held at 2:00 P.M. Friday, February 7, 2025 at Kornerstone Funeral Directors Chapel with Dr. Kelly Warren officiating. Interment will follow at Kress Cemetery in Kress, Texas. Arrangements are under the care of Kornerstone Funeral Directors of Plainview, Texas. 

A visitation will be held from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. on Thursday, February 6, 2025 at Kornerstone Funeral Directors Chapel.