Donovan (Don) E. Bertsch departed this earth on February 23, 2026 in Duluth, MN. He was 88 years old.

He was born on December 7th, 1937 in New Prague, Minnesota to parents Herman and Marie (nee Carlson) Bertsch and was the oldest of 5 boys. He graduated from West High School in Denver, Colorado. Don served in the Navy for two years. He was a true craftsman who worked most his life as a carpenter, building and remodeling houses. He, along with his brothers, owned and operated a 23 unit motel that he completely remodeled and earned him a Lakewood Colorado Chamber of Commerce Community Improvement Award in 1975. He had a strong work ethic and was always willing to assist with projects for his children, brothers, and extended family. Don loved the outdoors.  He had a passion for hiking, especially in the mountains of Colorado, and loved the many rustic camping trips he took with his brothers. One of his fondest most recent memories was a hiking/camping trip with his brothers Sandy and Jerry and his two grandsons Tanner and Scott. He loved to fish, summer or winter, and enjoyed many trips to the North Shore in Minnesota and Canada. He had a huge garden most years and really enjoyed clearing brush and creating trails on his property. Don was seen daily on his golf cart driving around he and Patti's property filled with tools in the back ready to work on his cabin, and other many projects he had going on. He loved his family and enjoyed gathering to play cards including 500, Skip Bo, and especially his newest and favorite, Hand and Foot. He was a very practical man who used everything and wasted nothing,

Donny was preceded in death by his parents Herman and Marie, his son Jim, his brother Charles. He is survived by his brothers Jim (Kathy Beus), Jerry (Marilyn), Sandy, daughter Lori(John) Nimke, step daughter Kathy (Justin) Smith, Brenda (David) Newman,grandchildren Tanner (Hannah) Nimke, Scott Nimke, Cody Bertsch, Sierra (Dakota) Reed, and Leila Bertsch, step grandchildren Skye Newman and Jaedon DeLong, three great grandchildren and his beloved long time life partner Patti Mercer.

Arrangements for a Celebration of Life will happen at a later date.