John Charles Bertschinger

October 31, 2011

John Charles Bertschinger, of Calera, formerly of Russellville, passed away at Shelby Medical Center in Shelby County on Oct. 31, 2011, after a heart attack.

John was born on May 12, 1948, in Shelby County, Tenn., to parents Donna Cherie Regan and Ernest Charles Bertschinger.

He is survived by his wife of 40 years, Myra Nell Hutcheson Bertschinger; four children, Jeremy Charles Bertchinger of Montevallo; Jeffrey Campbell Bertschinger and wife, Sonya, of Calera; Joseph Collin Bertschinger and friend, Fannetra Boddie, of Montevallo; Bonnie LaNell Bertchinger Barfoot and husband, Lee, of Chelsea; four grandchildren, Chloe Militia Bertschinger, Avery Micale Bertschinger, Cailyn Elizabeth Bertschinger, Camilla Grace Bertschinger; two step-grand children, Ryan Warren and Andrea Warren; sister, Cherie Sanders, of Byhalia, Miss.; brother, Tim Conroy, of Mountain Home, Ark.; mother-in-law, Mildred West Hutcheson, of Belgreen; and many nieces, nephews, brothers-in-law, sisters-in-law and a hosts of friends who all testify of his love and commitment to the Lord Jesus Christ.

He was preceded in death by parents and his brothers, Paul Conroy, of San Marcos, Texas, and Don Conroy of Enterprise.

John served in the United States Army and fought in the Vietnam War. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Vietnam Campaign Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, and the Bronze star. While serving in Vietnam, he was exposed to Agent Orange and suffered many physical ailments as a result. John also served in the National Guard unit in Russellville from 1980-1988.

After the military, John worked for Bell-South Telephone Company and AT&T for 31 years, where he made many lasting friendships.

John was saved in 1972 at Mallory Height Baptist Church in Memphis. His greatest joy was talking to people about the Lord Jesus Christ, and his greatest desire was that all his friends and family would come to saving faith in Jesus Christ. Many people today are walking with the Lord as a result of John’s witness. 
He was ordained as deacon at Belgreen Baptist Church and later served as deacon at Russellville First Baptist Church.

A graveside funeral was held on Nov. 1, 2011, at the West Family Cemetery in Old Nauvoo, with the family and Bro. Andy Cansler officiating.

Pallbearers were Nickie Hutcheson, Jeremy Bertschinger, Jeffrey Bertschinger, Joey Bertschinger, Ryan Warren, Levi Hutcheson, and Brother Lon Ostrzycki .