Leo Ernest BERTOLO

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of a loving father, grandfather, great grandfather, great great grandfather, brother in law and friend. Leo passed away at the Elrose Health Centre on Thursday, January 12, 2023.

Leo was born on March 15, 1924 to George and Maria (Facca) Bertolo on the family farm near Wiseton, SK. He was the 5th of 6 children. He received his education at the Welcome Valley School. After his education he farmed with his family and in the off season he found other work. Over the years he worked at Regal Motors, Western Sales, Rosetown School Unit, Clements Funeral Home, G.C McLeod, Town of Rosetown and then with John Horosko in construction. Leo and Vince Sullivan started their own construction  company in the fall of 1956. In the spring of 1958, Leo ventured out on his own and a lifetime of building followed. In the spring of 1962 they sold the family farm. Bertolo Construction operated until October of 1992 when he decided he had done his share of work. Leo then built a small hobby shop on the back of his garage. He would do small renovation projects and help the Evans with harvest to keep himself occupied.

Leo married Louise Rollheiser on October 7, 1950 at St. Anthony Church at Grossweder, SK. Following their wedding they lived briefly in Vancouver and Vegreville. In 1952 they returned to Rosetown and stayed there to raise their family. In July of 1969 they moved to Kelowna for 1 year. They returned to Rosetown and remained there. Louise passed away in November 2021 and Leo managed on his own until November 2022 when he moved to Elrose Health Centre.

Leo and Louise were blessed with 6 daughters. Their family of 8 grew to include son in laws, grandchildren, great grandchildren and a great-great-grandchild.

Leo was a member of the Knights of Columbus and the Elks. He also volunteered his time with the Rosetown Fire Department, Cemetery Beautification committee as well as delivering meals on wheels. He liked to garden and he was always up for any project a family member had on the go.

Leo and Louise enjoyed 35 years of summers and a few winter trips to their cabin at Aquadeo Beach. They also took many bus trips to destinations in the USA. They enjoyed travelling to see their daughters in various locations in Canada.

Leo was predeceased by his wife Louise, daughter Susan, siblings Albert, Victoria, Julia, James and George. He was also predeceased by Louise’s siblings: Lena, Benedict, Rudy, Rose, Wendel, Wilfred and Tony.

Leo is survived by:

His daughters, Marilyn (Bob) Long, Carolyn (Drew) Goddard, Jeanne (Ben) Lahnemann, Barb (Darrell) Wiebe, Laurie (Kim) Evans and son-in-law John Olson. His grandchildren, Carrie (Curtiss) Knight, Chris (Lori) Churchman, Aaron (Nikki) Churchman, Megan (Ric) Day, Matthew (Kelsey) Goddard, Steven (Melissa) Evans, Bradley (Colette) Evans, Daniel (Brittany) Evans and Kristopher Olson. His great- grandchildren, Cheyanne (Ben), Caitlyn, Ksenya, Eva, Dayton, Hayden, Dane, Fox, Soren, Hayes, Hendrix, Jack, James, Halle and great-great-grandson Jasper.

He is also survived by Louise’s siblings, Barbara, Greg, Imelda, Armella and Dorothy as well as many nieces and nephews.

A Vigil of Prayer was held on Tuesday, January 17, 2023 at 7:30 pm at St. Theresa’s Parish in Rosetown.

A Mass of Christian Burial was held on Wednesday, January 18, 2023 at 11:00 am at St. Theresa’s Parish in Rosetown.

Donations may be made to Alex Ositis Foundation, PO Box 1251, Rosetown SK, S0L 2V0.