Russell Bertrand

Russell R. Bertrand, 70, of Columbia City, passed away at 11:41 am on Thursday, January 16, 2014 in Churubusco. Mr. Bertrand was born in Bradley, Ky, a son of Thomas and Freda (McCarty) Bertrand. He was raised in Fort Wayne, and graduated from North Side High School in 1961. On February 18, 1966 he was married in Watseka, Il to Sharon Blough. For 20 years he worked in wholesale foods and was instrumental in bringing Jay's Potato Chips to the area and retired as owner of Best Line Snacks in 1991. He was an avid fisherman and gardener. Mr. Bertrand was a member of Collins United Methodist Church. Surviving relatives include his loving wife of 47 years, Sharon Bertrand of Columbia City; a beloved son, Todd (Catherine) Bertrand of Varna, IL; cherished grandsons, Alexander and Nathaniel Bertrand; a sister, Etta Jo Elliott of Tuckerton, NJ; a sister-in-law, Susanne (John) Abbott of Land O Lakes, FL. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 am Tuesday at Sheets & Childs Funeral Home in Churubusco, with Rev. Larry Schmoekel, pastor of Collins United Methodist Church, officiating. The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 2:00 pm to 4:00 pm and 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Monday, or one hour prior to the service. Burial will be in the Covington Memorial Gardens Cemetery, Fort Wayne. Memorials may be directed to Collins United Methodist Church. ************************************ To leave an online condolence for the family in Mr. Bertrand's memory, please click on "Condolences" below. .