Robert C. Bertsch, of Stanfield, passed away Dec. 8.

Bob was born  May 14, 1939, in Klickitat, Wash., to parents, Marjorie (Monzingo) and Robert Bertsch. The family moved to Oregon shortly thereafter.

Bob went to school one year in Monument, where he met his future wife of 54 years, Judith Mae Stirewalt. Born of this union were Wade James and Ward David Bertsch.

Bob was a fifth-grade teacher. His first school was in Wilder, Idaho, the next two years in Council, Idaho, before moving to Stanfield and teaching at West Park Grade School in Hermiston for 28 years.  Bob truly enjoyed the students, and by using a variety of methods to get his students to especially enjoy reading and math.

Bob worked every position in the lumber mills where his Dad was the millwright. He also cruised timber, all the while breaking and shoeing horses, always his second love.  Bob was a director of the Mustangers and volunteered 40-plus years at the Pendleton Round-Up.

Bob is survived by Judy and son, Wade of Stanfield; son, Ward “Tiny” of Stephenville, Texas; granddaughters, Kelly Marie, Katie Sue, and Jayden Mae Bertsch; grandson, Taygan Tee Bertsch; nephews, Kevin and Kai Bertsch; and several nieces and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Marj; Robert Bertsch; brother, Kenneth Donald Bertsch; and a baby sister.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 1 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 14, at the Stanfield Community Center in Stanfield. A potluck luncheon to follow. In lieu of flowers and the Alzheimer Foundation, please mentor a young child academically and/or in horsemanship skills.