David R. Bertelson

David Bertelson, age 66, of Milbank, SD, passed away on January 9, 2023, at Avera McKennan Hospital in Sioux Falls, SD.

Graveside services will be held on Tuesday, June 20, 2023, at 10:00 a.m.  at Osceola Cemetery #1 in Marvin, SD.

David Roy Bertelson was born on September 4, 1956, in Chincoteague, VA, one day after Labor Day. He was the son of Norris Leroy Bertelson and Nancy Burchell Wood. David lived his first years in Patuxent River, MD. The family then moved to Princess Anne County, VA, in 1960. Princess Anne County became the City of Virginia Beach in 1962. David attended Bayside Elementary School from first to third grade, Hermitage Elementary School for fourth and fifth grade, Thoroughgood Elementary School for sixth and seventh grade, and Bayside High School for eighth grade to graduation. David earned a two-year degree in Electronics from Tidewater Community College. He then transferred to Old Dominion and graduated in 1982 with a degree in Electronic Technology.

David was in the Navy Reserve for two years, joining in May 1975. He resided in Washington D.C. from 1983 to 1995. He worked for the Department of Commerce, Patent and Trademark Office for ten years. He later worked as a truck driver and school bus driver.

David had a prodigious memory for his family genealogy, recalling names, birthdays, and anniversaries of his relatives. He rarely missed an annual Harry Christmas or cousin’s get together. He especially enjoyed playing cards in Milbank, as well as back east when he visited family and friends; he even kept a running record of cribbage scores going back years. David was also an avid Bridge player. To those who knew him best, David will be remembered as an honest, loyal family member and friend.

David has been a member of Haygood United Methodist Church in Virginia Beach, VA, since 1972. He attended Elbrooke United Methodist Church in Washington D.C., and Parkview United Methodist Church and Central United Methodist Church in Milbank, SD.

David is survived by his sister, Janet Burton; and many nieces, nephews and cousins.

He was preceded in death by his parents: Norris and Nancy; and two sisters: Anne Haines and Amanda Bertelson.