He was a native of Chataignier and a resident of Sulphur for more than 70 years. Bertman proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. He was a devoted member of Our Lady of LaSalette Catholic Church, where he faithfully served as an usher for many years.
A skilled craftsman, Bertman worked as a carpenter throughout his life and was a proud member of Carpenter’s Local 953. He found joy in the simple pleasures—hunting, fishing, gardening, and, most of all, spending time with his beloved family.
He is survived by his daughters, Brenda Ricaud and husband, Mac, Melissa Felice and husband, Keith, and Jennifer LaFleur and husband, Greg, all of Sulphur; his sisters, Bertha Turner, Mary Louise Lavergne, and Jeanette Fontenot, all of Eunice; ten grandchildren, Michael Morin, Melanie Morin, Eric Morin, Mafie Morin-Free, Brandon Felice, Kambi East, Chase Kohlenberg, Katelyn Kohlenberg, Brooklyn LaFleur, and Grayson LaFleur; and thirteen great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his wife, Leora Belle Fruge; his parents, Oliver and Dulley Fruge; a son-in-law, David Morin; brothers, Wilson Fruge, Leighton Fruge, James Fruge, and Carroll Fruge; his sisters, Sarah Guillory, Lelia Stanford, and Louvella Manuel; a granddaughter, Lindsey Felice; and a great-grandson, Jase Felice.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11 a.m. Friday, November 14 , in Our Lady of LaSalette Catholic Church in Sulphur. The Rev. Ron Foshage, M.S. will officiate. Burial will be in Mimosa Pines Cemetery South in Carlyss under the direction of Hixson-Sulphur Memorial Funeral Home. Pallbearers will be Brandon Felice, Chase Kohlenberg, Justin East, Collin Dougay, Ashton Dougay, and Grayson LaFleur. Visitation is from 5-8 p.m. Thursday with a rosary service at 6 p.m. and from 8:30 a.m. Friday in the funeral home.
The family would like to give special heartfelt thanks to the many people who have cared for Bertman over the years, Heart of Hospice, and especially his "Angel Sitters": Rose Mays, Joann Degroat, Barbara Delgado, and Sirena Estes. Words of comfort may be shared with the family at www.hixsonfuneralhomes.com.
