Hilary Bertsche, 96, died Feb. 10, 2026, at Greencroft Healthcare in Goshen, Ind. He was born Nov. 16, 1929, in Flanagan, Ill., to the late Almon and Vera Bertsche. He married Gladys Long on Aug. 29, 1953, in Sterling, Ill.
He grew up on a farm near Flanagan, where he attended rural schools and graduated from Flanagan High School. He was baptized, joined and participated at Meadows Mennonite Church. Since retiring from farming, he lived in Goshen and was a member of Assembly Mennonite Church.
As a conscientious objector, he served his alternative service at Brooklane Hospital in Hagerstown, Md., and Alexian Brothers Hospital in Chicago. Afterwards he farmed with Gladys for 45 years in Flanagan.
He was active in church council and a longtime volunteer and supporter of Camp Friedenswald, a Mennonite camp in Michigan, as well as various short-term voluntary service activities and Habitat for Humanity. His strong faith led him to work for peace and justice. He was known for his smile, storytelling and wide circle of friends.
Surviving are a son, Stephen Bertsche (Karmen) of Middlebury, Ind.; two daughters, Laurie Bertsche (Mary Ann Boyle) of Bellingham, Wash., and Carol Kauffman (Jeff) of Fort Col-
lins, Colo.; 10 grandchildren; nine great-grandchildren; six great-great-grandchildren; brother John Bertsche and sister Emily Amstutz. He
was preceded in death by his wife; son David;
daughter-in-law Diane; a brother and four sisters. Memorial contributions can be directed to Camp Friedenswald or Community Peacemaker Teams.
