Obituary of Janice Marie Bertsch

Bertsch Janice

Janice Bertsch, age 72 of Menno, passed away Thursday May 15, 2025 at the Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls. A private service is being planned by her family. Online condolences may be sent at www.opsahl-kostelfuneralhome.com. Opsahl-Kostel Memorial Chapel of Menno is assisting the family with arrangements.

Janice was born on August 18, 1952, to William and Hazel (Schlack) Bertsch in Sioux Falls.  She was baptized and confirmed at Grace Lutheran Church, Menno. 

Jan graduated from Menno Public High School.  She received her bachelor’s degree in Early Child Development at SDSU, Brookings.  She began her career in the University of Denver Medical Center and Hospital.  To continue her career, Jan and her son, Joshua moved to Sioux Falls to be closer to family. There she worked at USD School of Medicine, Pediatrics Department.  As an Administrator, she took pride in helping the people she worked with to improve the lives of those they served.   

When she left the workforce, she returned to her hometown of Menno which she loved and she felt blessed to be near her mother.  Above all, her son Joshua, her family and faith were most important in her life.  Jan loved to cook, bake, and enjoyed the simple things in life.  She was kind, well-spoken, had a way with words, and was a sincerely interested listener. 

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Joshua, Minneapolis; three sisters, Betty Fideler and Sharon Reilly, Sioux Falls, LuAnn Bertsch (Paul Buysse), Alexandria, MN.  Three brothers, Willie Bertsch (Audrey), Sioux Falls, Jim Bertsch (Dan Mahood), Minneapolis, and Ron Bertsch (Linda), Sioux Falls; six nieces and nephews, ten great nieces and nephews and one great-great nephew.

Preceding Jan in death were her parents, two brothers-in-law, Mike Fideler and Bob Reilly, two Angel Babies, Brynlee Grace Costello and Keenum Jon Bertsch.