Grace Marilynn Bertelsman

Marilynn, a beloved wife, mother, and grandmother, touched the lives of many through her dedication and love for others. She lived a life full of faith, service, and compassion, leaving a legacy for all who knew her.

Marilynn was born in Houston, Texas, on August 11, 1938, to Orand and Bonnie Stark who instilled in her at an early age the basis of faith and character that guided her life. Marilynn graduated from Jefferson Davis High School and attended East Texas Baptist College in Marshall, Texas, graduating with a degree in Elementary Education in 1960. While in college, Marilynn served as Junior Class Vice President, Senior Class Social Chairman, and was voted Campus Personality Runner-Up.

Marilynn attended South Main Baptist church in Houston when she met Dale Bertelsman in the fall of 1965 in the Singles Adult Department. They were married in the South Main Chapel on March 26, 1966.

Shortly after, they moved to Lake Jackson, Texas where they enjoyed their sons, grandsons and great grandchildren. Marilynn had two passions, singing, as an expression of worship, and working with children. She taught Sunday school and elementary school in La Marque, Spring Branch and BISD’s Search Program. As a teacher she was patient, soft-spoken and gentle.

Marilynn sang in the choir of First Baptist Church and as part of a group called “The Folks” at nursing homes and schools. Marilynn’s favorite song, Blessed Assurance, is a testimony of Marilynn’s salvation experience. Marilynn wrote, “It is my favorite song, the chorus is ‘This is my story, this is my song’= MY life’s STORY is loving and working with children—mine and others. Music was always my form of worshiping God. This was when I was praising God – with song. What joy to think, God loves me. God loves us so much , He gave his only Son to die for us—we do have Blessed Assurance”

Marilynn’s favorite scripture is Philippians 4:13: “I can do all things through Christ, who gives me strength.” It was the basis of her strength of character and the foundation of all aspects of her life.

Marilynn had an innate ability to connect with people, making them feel valued and understood. Her smile, gentle demeanor and patient nature made her a loved figure with both close friends and casual acquaintances all over the world, visiting over 50 countries. She made extensive notes on all aspects of their adventures to make beautiful scrapbooks.

Marilynn is preceded in death by her parents Orand and Bonnie Stark and her sister Jewel Fernell Price. She is survived by her husband of 59 years, Dale, sons David and wife Quynh Le, Kevin and wife Kristi, grandsons Jon, Matthew, Justin, Joshua, and Ryan and wife Mackenze and great-grandchildren, Sarah Grace and James Michael.

A celebration of Marilynn’ life will be held Saturday, February 8, 2025, at First Baptist Church, 401 Yaupon Street, Lake Jackson, Texas. Service will start at 11:00 AM followed by a reception/visitation at the church. Graveside services will follow at 2:00 PM at Restwood Funeral Home, 1038 West Plantation Drive, Clute, TX 77531.