Maurice Bertilrud

Maurice Bertilrud, 84, of Greenbush, MN, died Wednesday, April 10, 2013 at his home.

Maurice Alvin Bertilrud, the son of Mikkel and Annie (Everson) Bertilrud, was born February 5, 1929 in Deer Township, Roseau County, rural Greenbush, MN. He attended Greenbush Public Schools and graduated in 1947. He served in the U.S. Army from 1951 to 1953.

Maurice married Arlene Carlson on June 26, 1954 at Bethel Lutheran Church in Karlstad, MN. He was the Administrator of the Greenbush Community Hospital and Nursing Home for 29 years, retiring in 1988. Maurice was involved in the Greenbush community serving on the city council, the local school board and the Bethel Lutheran Church Council. He was a charter member of the Greenbush-Badger Lions Club and a member of the Greenbush American Legion Post 88.

A man of quiet but strong faith, Maurice was an example to many and always made family his first priority. He spent a lifetime doing the things that made him happy. Whether it was working in the yard, his love of being on the tractor, his days of cutting wood or his ever frequent rides in the country, his connection with rural life was inescapable. He was a fantastic painter and left his mark throughout Greenbush as well as in numerous other states as he visited his children. He traveled extensively with Arlene and enjoyed trips throughout the United States, Caribbean and Europe. He loved to follow high school sports and was a huge fan of Greenbush teams regardless of the sport. He was quick to offer his attention to a child and some version of “Around the Bush” was likely to follow. Woven throughout everything he did was an unequaled sense of humor that often put a grin on his face and a smile on the faces of those around him.

Maurice is survived by:

Arlene, his wife of 58 years,

He is also survived by his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren:

Tom and Jackie (Bertilrud) Leto, John and Ellen.

Bob and Jayne (Bertilrud) DeYoung, Lauren and Kirsten.

Greg and Elizabeth (Bertilrud) Wollin, Sarah and Alexey Gritsyna, Alexander and Evahn, Chris Agre, Rachel Agre and Kayla Agre.

Mark and Pam (Storm) Bertilrud, Erik and Kai.

and his sister Helen Kilen of Greenbush.

Many nieces & nephews and other relatives and friends.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brothers Arnold, Edwin and Rudolph; sisters Clara Boe, Olga Thomsen, Mable Erickson, Lillian Lennon and Gunda Bertilrud.

Funeral Services were held on Monday, April 15, 2013, in Bethel Lutheran Church of Greenbush, with Pastor Mark Mathews, officiating. Linda Sovde was the organist and special vocal music was provided by Jody Kirkeide & Pam Bertilrud. Casket Bearers were Dennis Olson, Allen Bertilrud, Arvid Dvergsten, Allen Larson, Kennis Anderson, Sander Tureson, Russ Anderson & Shane Kilen. Honorary Pallbearers were his Godchildren, Allison Olinger, Jason Solberg, Brandon Olson, Rhonda Hill, Barry Anderson & Daniel Moe.

Interment was in Bethel Lutheran Cemetery of Greenbush with Military Honors provided by the Moen-Zimek Post 88, American Legion of Greenbush. Arrangements were with Gieseke Funeral Chapel of Greenbush.