Rodney Douglas Bertram, 62, of Gering, NE died unexpectedly on October 27, 2012 of cardiac arrest in Carlisle, IA, while visiting family with his wife.

            Rod was born March 20, 1950 in Scottsbluff, NE to Betty (Weinmaster) Bertram and Reinhart Bertram.  Rod attended schools in Gering and graduated from Gering High School in 1968.  Rod’s love of automobiles brought him to work at Gillman Motors as a mechanic, gaining ASE certification and experience, eventually sharing this knowledge of cars as an instructor at WNCC.  Rod returned to farming, a love instilled in him by his Grandfather Weinmaster.  Currently Rod was living the unscheduled life of a Union Pacific Conductor. He was married to Shirley (Hall) Reitz on Febuary 1, 1999, and they enjoyed life on the farm together. Two previous marriages to Georgia Kleich and Gloria Lind both ended in divorce.

            While Rod worked hard, he also played hard.  He loved to spend time with friends and family be it hunting, RV camping, playing cards, attending drag races, carpentry, or sharing a good meal and cold drink. Rod had a soft spot for animals, most loved were his Golden Retriever dogs, Zeke, Jenny, and Garth.

            Rod is survived by wife, Shirley, children April Johnson and grandchildren Lauren and Jake of North Carolina, Jennifer and Scott Mavin and granddaughters Alexandra and Breanna of Carlisle, Iowa and Jason Reitz of Gering.  Mother Betty Pittman of Alliance, brother Michael and Doris Bertram and niece Nikki and family of South Carolina, sister Renee Smith and nephew Michael Adams of Alliance.  Aunt Maxine Fox and cousin Andy Weinmaster and Deb Brown of Alliance.  Uncle Rueben and Edna Weinmaster of Colorado. 

            Rod is preceded in death by his father, step-father Jim Pittman, cousin Joseph Fox and grand parents.

            To celebrate Rod’s life, the public is invited for viewing and visitation Thursday, November 1, 2012 at Dugan-Kramer Funeral Home in Scottsbluff, NE from 4-8 p.m.  A memorial service will be held on Friday, November 2, 2012 at Dugan-Kramer Funeral home at 10:30 a.m., officiated by Pastor John Adams.  Casual attire is requested. 

            In memory of Rod, donations are requested to be made to Gering Rural Fire Department, Ducks Unlimited, or Veterans organization of donors choice.  Tributes of sympathy may be left at www.dugankramer.com