Donald Bertram

Donald Bertram, 84, of Robinson, IL, died at 5:00 p.m. on Saturday, June 30, 2018 at the Magnolia Center in Robinson. He was born March 15, 1934 in Rock Island, IL, the son of Richard Bertram, Sr. & Alice (Van Houtte) Bertram, both of whom preceded him in death. He married his childhood sweetheart, Sue Jane Castleberry on July 3, 1953, and she preceded him in death on October 22, 2010. He was also preceded in death by his brothers, Richard Bertram, Jr. and Fred Bertram; by his sister, Marie M. Scott; by his step-mother, Lena Bertram; and by his step-brother, Harold King. He is survived by his daughter & son-in-law Donnita Sue & Dewayne Holmes (rural Robinson, IL); by his grandson & granddaughter-in-law, John Bertram “J.B.” & Hanna Holmes (rural Robinson, IL); by his great-granddaughter, Isabella Rose Holmes; as well as a number of nieces and nephews. Don grew up in the White Hall, IL area and was a stand-out athlete at White Hall High School. He served his country in the U.S. Army during the Korean War and was stationed in Alaska before being discharged. Back in Illinois, he worked for the Secretary of State’s Office in Springfield for 10 years. In 1965, he bought several leases off Marathon Oil and started working in Robinson before moving to the area in 1969. Anyone who knew Don could attest to the fact that he truly enjoyed his work. He was never one to let dust settle and made his 84 years count. Don Bertram will be remembered as a man who devoted himself to anything and everything he set his mind to. His legacy of perseverance and love will live on in the hearts of those who knew him. He was a former member of the Quail Creek Country Club, the Robinson American Legion Post #69, and the Robinson Elks Lodge #1188. A time of visitation will be held from 4:00-6:00 p.m. on Thursday, July 5th at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Robinson. Private family graveside services will be held at a later date at the Oak Grove Cemetery (rural Palestine, IL). Memorials may be made to the Oblong Oil Field Museum, with envelopes available at the funeral home.