Alvin Darold Bertram

Alvin Darold Bertram, 95, of Cookeville, Tennessee, passed away on February 10, 2025, at the Villas at the Cedars in St. Louis Park, Minnesota.

Alvin was born on July 1, 1929, in Vanover, Kentucky, the son of Brady and Sadie (Flowers) Bertram. He was first married to Lavina Mae Whitlock, of Hillsboro, Illinois, in 1951.  In 1984, he married Judith Fae Smith in Vandalia, Illinois. Until Judy’s passing, on April 18, 2024, they were happily married for 40 years.

Alvin was raised in the oil fields and farms in Kentucky and Illinois, as the youngest of eight children. Soon after graduating from Fillmore (Illinois) High School, Alvin enlisted in the U.S. Air Force and was trained as an Aircraft Mechanic, serving a tour of duty in Japan during the Korean War. Upon completing his military service, he began employment as an aircraft mechanic at McDonnell Aircraft, St. Louis, MO. He retired from McDonnell-Douglas Aircraft after 35 years. He and Judy moved to Cookeville, TN to be near his brother, Marshall, and sisters, Alice and Dorothy.

Alvin was active in the Baptist Church, frequently as a member of the Choir and as Song Leader. After retirement, he became active in Campers on Mission and Habitat for Humanity, helping to build schools, churches, and communities, to include after Hurricanes Andrew and Katrina. He participated in multiple community events in Cookeville and was well recognized for his contributions and his out-going nature. He was always ready to help a neighbor with anything from home repair to yard work.

He enjoyed travel, to include to all fifty states – much of that by motor home, and he visited countries in the Americas and Europe.

He was preceded in death by his parents and wives, Lavina and Judith.

Surviving Alvin are his son, Kenneth (Gail Griffin) Bertram of Excelsior, Minnesota; stepchildren, Michael (Jane) Smith of Hillsboro, Illinois and Sherry Lassiter of Washington State; grandchildren, Matthew (Kylie) Bertram and Emily Bertram; and several great grandchildren.

Visitation: Saturday, March 1, 2025, at 11:30 am – 12:30 pm., at the Free Methodist Church, 207 S. Church St., Coffeen, IL 62017. Funeral: 12:30 pm., following the visitation with the Rev. Eugene Dunkley officiating. Burial: 2:00 pm., following the funeral at Oak Grove Cemetery, Hillsboro, Illinois.

In lieu of flowers, plants, and other gifts, the family asks that donations and memorial contributions be gifted to Upper Cumberland Habitat for Humanity, General Donations, 1546 E. Spring St., Suite B, Cooksville, TN 38506 or online at: https://www.uchabitat.org/#/  

The family has entrusted Bass Patton Dean Funeral Home in Hillsboro with the ceremonies.

Please visit www.basspattondeanfh.com to share memories or offer condolences to the family.

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