Arlene Bertus, 87, of Avon

Arlene heard her "Welcome Home" from the Lord on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at St. Benedict Hospital in Parkston. Funeral services are 2 PM, Tuesday, November 2, 2021 at Friedensberg Bible Church, rural Avon. Burial is in Friedensberg Cemetery.

Arlene Joy Bertus was born November 14, 1933 on the family farm, rural Tyndall, to Emil and Mary (Klasna) Vavruska. She heard her "Welcome Home" from the Lord on Saturday, October 30, 2021 at St. Benedict Hospital in Parkston.

Arlene attended Daisy Valley Country School, rural Tyndall through the 8th grade. As a young lady she worked at the Tyndall Bakery and Peschl's Market. She then met the love of her life Donald Bertus. They were married on February 25, 1957 in Yankton and were married for over 62 years. Together they dairy farmed southeast of Avon for 40 years and raised their children: Mary Elaine, Lori Jean, and Loren Donald. Arlene went on to work at Gurney's Seed & Nursery and then Avon Enterprises until it's closing.

The one constant in Arlene's life was her faith and love for the Lord. She accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior as a young lady. She served the Lord as a Sunday School and Bible School teacher. Arlene was a faithful member of Friedensberg Bible Church and served anywhere she heard the Lord calling her.

Arlene will be remembered for her selfless and giving spirit, for being a constant prayer warrior for her children and grandchildren, for her baking and her love of gardening.

Thankful for having shared her life are her children: Mary Manning of Morrill, KS, Lori Van Duysen of Wagner, and Loren (Rachel) Bertus of Avon; 11 grandchildren: Kristen (Michael) Kadlicek, Matthew (Cassie) Manning, and Abby Manning, Sharla, Michael II, Melissa, Marshall and Morgan Van Duysen, Jeff Bertus, Joe (Nikki) Bertus, and Jill (Devin) Tolsma; one great granddaughter, Raelynn Van Duysen; Don's beloved dog Snoopy; along with many relatives and friends.

Arlene was preceded in death by her husband Don, her parents, brother Leonard, and an infant sister; sons-in-law: Michael Van Duysen and Tom Manning; grandchildren: Christopher Bertus and Casey Van Duysen; and two great grandchildren: Josie and Mikey Van Duysen.