Betty Jane Bertsch, 97, of La Porte, IN, passed away on Wednesday, August 12, 2026, at Trustwell Living at Settlers Place.
She was born on October 1, 1928, in Hills, MN, to Paul and Olga (Tuff) Siegesmund.
In 1951, she married James Mandeville, who preceded her in death. Later, in 1985, Betty married William "Bill" Bertsch, who preceded her in death on February 28, 2025.
Betty is survived by her 3 sons, James (Pat) Mandeville of La Porte, John (Nancy) Mandeville of Lafayette, and Jeffrey (Kelly) Mandeville of La Porte; 11 grandchildren; 19 great-grandchildren; 1 great, great-grandchild; as well as many nieces and nephews.
She was preceded in death by her husbands; parents; sisters, Marie Pinger, Mavis Goodwin, and Beatrice Keever; and brother, Harland Siegesmund.
Betty was a 1946 graduate of Wanatah High School. In 1949, she received her certificate in nursing from Evangelical Hospital in Chicago. She later completed her Bachelors in Nursing in 1978 from St. Francis College. Betty cared for others for over 40 years as a nurse at La Porte Hospital and several area schools.
She accepted Jesus as her Lord and Savior. Betty committed her life to sharing the Good News. She was a member of the Presbyterian Church of La Porte.
Betty enjoyed attending book club, birthday club, and R.W. club. She taught Sunday School for many years. Most importantly, Betty dearly loved her family and the time spent with them.
Cremation has taken place with Cutler Funeral Home and Cremation Center, La Porte.
A Celebration of Life Memorial Service will be held at 1 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026, at Bethel Chapel, La Porte, with Pastor Jane Anabe and Pastor James Mandeville officiating.
A time of visitation will be held from 12 p.m. until the time of service on Saturday at the church. Inurnment has taken place at Salem Cemetery, Wanatah.
Memorial contributions may be directed to the Presbyterian Church of La Porte, 307 Kingsbury Ave., La Porte IN 46350, or to La Porte Co. Habitat for Humanity, 326 W. 10th St, Michigan City, IN 46360.
Condolences may be shared with the family online at www.cutlercares.com.
