Obituary for Donald Wayne Bertetto
Donald Wayne Bertetto, 81, of Rensselaer, Indiana passed away Saturday, March 21, 2020 at Franciscan Health Rensselaer, with his wife Ruihua (pronounced ray-wah) by his side and his family with him in spirit. He was born in Chicago, Illinois on April 28, 1938 to Angelo Bertetto and Corinne (Rolla) Bertetto.
He grew up in the community of Roseland, Chicago, IL. He was a craftsman at heart, and loved to work with his hands. After graduating from Chicago Vocational School in 1956, he began a 4-year apprenticeship in wood patternmaking. His skills with wood working and pattern making allowed him to work in the ski industry making ski boots, in the medical equipment industry making prosthetics and wheelchair seats, and in the atmospheric industry when he was asked to create a replica of a meteorite. He was most proud of his skills as a master woodworker, and was passionate about custom woodworking with exotic woods.
On February 14, 2006 he married Ruihua Li in Rensselaer, where he happily lived out the rest of his years with Ruihua, her children, and grandchildren. He truly enjoyed connecting with family, friends, and strangers alike from near and far. He had quite the sense of humor, and always said what was on his mind. He lived a very full life.
He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Ruihua Bertetto, her children and grandchildren; his brother, Richard Bertetto; and his five children: Denise, Richard, Janessa, Anthony, and Cristianna.
He was preceded in death by his mother Corinne (Rolla) Bertetto and father Angelo Bertetto.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the family is postponing the memorial service until it is safe for friends and family to travel and attend.
Cristianna, Don's youngest daughter, is collecting memories, stories, and pictures to be shared at the memorial and with the family. If you have anything that you would like to share about Don, please email cristiannafb@gmail.com. You are also welcome to share memories and condolences here on the website by selecting the Memory Wall tab.
Steinke Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family with cremation services. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.
He grew up in the community of Roseland, Chicago, IL. He was a craftsman at heart, and loved to work with his hands. After graduating from Chicago Vocational School in 1956, he began a 4-year apprenticeship in wood patternmaking. His skills with wood working and pattern making allowed him to work in the ski industry making ski boots, in the medical equipment industry making prosthetics and wheelchair seats, and in the atmospheric industry when he was asked to create a replica of a meteorite. He was most proud of his skills as a master woodworker, and was passionate about custom woodworking with exotic woods.
On February 14, 2006 he married Ruihua Li in Rensselaer, where he happily lived out the rest of his years with Ruihua, her children, and grandchildren. He truly enjoyed connecting with family, friends, and strangers alike from near and far. He had quite the sense of humor, and always said what was on his mind. He lived a very full life.
He is survived by his wife of 15 years, Ruihua Bertetto, her children and grandchildren; his brother, Richard Bertetto; and his five children: Denise, Richard, Janessa, Anthony, and Cristianna.
He was preceded in death by his mother Corinne (Rolla) Bertetto and father Angelo Bertetto.
Due to the current COVID-19 pandemic, the family is postponing the memorial service until it is safe for friends and family to travel and attend.
Cristianna, Don's youngest daughter, is collecting memories, stories, and pictures to be shared at the memorial and with the family. If you have anything that you would like to share about Don, please email cristiannafb@gmail.com. You are also welcome to share memories and condolences here on the website by selecting the Memory Wall tab.
Steinke Funeral Home is honored to be serving the family with cremation services. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.SteinkeFuneralHome.com.