Submitted by: Dan Rich

Bill Berta

June 11, 1918 - July 7, 2008

South Bend Tribune 7/17/2008
SOUTH BEND - Bill Berta passed away at 90 of natural causes on July 7, 2008, in Fullerton CA. He was born June 11, 1918, in South Bend, IN. He was preceded in death by his parents, Steve Berta and Rose (Horvath), both of Hungary; brothers, Steve Berta and Julius Berta; and sisters, Elizabeth Shoemaker, Emma Kochanowski and Margaret Turner.

Bill married Anne L. (Hopkins) on May 17, 1941 (deceased-April 26, 1991), and Margaret Joy Kanthack on December 10, 1998. Surviving children: Sharon Conner (Russ), Westcliffe, CO, John Berta (Patricia), South Bend, IN, Jane King (Bill), Longmont, CO, and Bob Berta (Laura), Dallas, TX. Surviving grandchildren: Kari Powell, Rochester, IN, Wesley Jacobs, Colorado Springs, CO, Kelley Tosaka, Longmont, CO, Dinah Campbell, Colorado Springs, CO, Leslie Wilson, Anchorage, AK. Surviving great-grandchildren: Jamie Herrera, Rochester, IN, Cassandra Hammond, Rochester, NY, Wesley Jacobs Jr. and Wyatt Jacobs, Colorado Springs, CO, Asher and Liam Tosaka, Longmont, CO.

Bill lived in South Bend for most of his life. He traveled several years with Anne in their motorhome and finally settled in Fullerton, CA, for the last 10 years of his life. Bill attended Riley High School where he played football, basketball, golf and track. He was inducted into the Riley Athletic Hall of fame. Bill attended the University of Notre Dame (two years) where he played football. He was an avid golfer until three years ago. Bill was honorably discharged from the Army with the rank of corporal after three years of service. He played football for the Army with the Special Services. He was affiliated with the Elks Club and the Methodist Church. Bill worked for Studebaker Corporation, Willis Jeep. He sold camping trailers for Revco of South Bend and was a salesman for Ristance Corp. until his retirement.

Bill was cremated. Burial will be at Logan National Cemetery in Denver, CO. No date has been set for his memorial service. Contributions in his memory may be made to your favorite charity.