Robert F. Bertsch, age 100, of Sandusky, passed away Sunday afternoon June 9, 2024, in his residence, following a brief battle with cancer.

He was born February 27, 1924, in Venice, and graduated from Margaretta High School in 1942.  He married Alice Sessler on February 18, 1947, in Trinity Lutheran Church, and together they celebrated their 77th wedding anniversary, along with Robert's goal of turning 100 years of age. Robert was born and raised on his family's Century Farm where he was a lifelong farmer, he also owned and operated Bertsch's Country Store and egg farm.  Robert was a salesman for Diamond Fertilizer and Horn's Crop Service and was a field representative for Lake Erie Canning Company. He was lifetime member of the Margaretta Grange and Trinity Lutheran Church, Sandusky, where he sang in the choir, was an usher, and served on the church council.  Robert was an avid story teller and had a vast knowledge of surrounding area's history.

He is survived by his wife Alice (Sessler) Bertsch; daughters Anne (Pierre) Van Raepenbusch and Pat (Larry) Wiedenheft; sons James and Bill Bertsch; five grandchildren Eric (Lisa) Van Raepenbusch, Andrea (Brian) Gray, Mark (Carrie) Wiedenheft, Carrie (Ken) Killingsworth; and Robert (Melissa) Wiedenheft; 12 great grandchildren Jenna, Mason, Jenkin, and Kate Van Raepenbusch, Andrew Gray, Tyler, Carlie, and Ryan Wiedenheft, Emma and Drew Killingsworth, and Ava and Oliver Wiedenheft; and many nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Robert was preceded in death by his parents Frank and Anna (Gysan) Bertsch.

Friends may call from 4-7 PM Wednesday, June 12, 2024, at Ransom Funeral & Cremation Service, 610 S. Washington St., Castalia, and from 10 AM until time of funeral services at 11 AM Thursday, June 13, 2024, at Trinity Lutheran Church 502 Bardshar Rd., Sandusky.  Pastor Jen Herrmann will officiate.

Memorials may be to Trinity Lutheran Church and to Stein Hospice Service, 1200 Sycamore Line, Sandusky, OH 44870.  Online condolences and gifts of sympathy may be shared with the family by visiting www.ransomfuneralhome.com