By Billie Garner
Garrison Public Affairs Office
FORT CARSON, Colo. — Jean Boynton Bertrand, World War II veteran, did not get to see the day his Family and friends gathered in his honor to celebrate a significant milestone, his 100th birthday. Bertrand died at age 99, April 2, 2019, only 10 days from his birthday.
Margaret Greenfield, a longtime friend of Bertrand, spoke during the celebration of life, April 11, 2019, at the El Paso County Salvation Army main facility in Colorado Springs. A luncheon took the place of Bertrand’s 100th birthday party.
“Jean was a good man, provided for his Family and proudly served his country in the United States Army,” Greenfield said.
The ceremony began and after taps was played, two Fort Carson 4th Infantry Division Soldiers conducted a ceremonial flag folding and presented the symbolic tri-cornered flag to Barbara Platkus, Bertrand’s daughter, as a final tribute of appreciation.
“I could not hold it together when they presented the flag,” Platkus said. “The ceremony meant so much to me.
He taught me to be strong. Right up until the day he died, always wanting to help take care of me, his Family and our business. He was always there for me.”
Bertrand’s duty locations included European and African theaters, and he received the Army Good Conduct Medal, American Defense Service Medal and European African Middle Eastern Service Medal.
Bertrand honorably served from Oct. 18, 1941 through July 16, 1945.
“Although, he had success in the military, life was not always easy for the Bertrand Family,” Greenfield said. “He had a twin sister who passed on the Family’s journey, moving from Canada to Colorado. He always worked hard taking care of his Family before and after serving in the Army. “
Family and friends expressed fond memories of Bertrand.
“He was a generous man, a man of faith, and our hearts are full because we have known such a wonderful giving person,” Greenfield said.
Bertrand owned about 400 acres, which he shared with his Family and allowed them to build on the property, Greenfield said.
“My father-in-law was a real sweetheart,” said Retired Sgt. 1st Class Bill Bryant. “He gave me and my wife 40 acres to build a house. We moved him in with us about 12 or 13 years ago so he would never be alone.”
Family and friends said Bertrand looked forward to making the century mark, said Sandy Raymond, who was friends with him for several years.
“The Salvation Army was one of his favorite places; he enjoyed the church service and senior lunches,” Raymond said. “He was there pretty much every day.”
Others remembered the stories he told and how he gave orders as if he was still in the military, said Rexalyn Struensee, Bertrand’s granddaughter.
“I am proud to say (Bertrand) knew Gen. George Patton and would often speak about him,” Struensee said.
He loved visiting friends and Family in Kansas and Arkansas and remembered his last vacation to Branson, Missouri, when he went to the Clay Cooper Theater, Struensee said.
“He attended dozens of military reunions as well, visiting his Army friends in Texas and Oklahoma,” said Struensee.
Salvation Army volunteer, Frank Salcido, remembered and spoke of Bertrand’s kindness.
“He would always thank me several times when I would deliver lunches to his home,” Salcido said.
Bertrand spent his life surrounded by his Family and friends. His great-grandson, Donald Struensee, lived with him over the last decade, helping him where needed.
Donald Struensee said his greatest memories of Bertrand were his generosity and willingness to help anyone.
“My great grandfather was a vehicle mechanic when he was in the Army and he took pride in keeping the jeeps up and running for his commanders” Donald Struensee said. “He was a rebellious one, a fighter, but a good man.”
| Date Taken: |
04.12.2019 |
| Date Posted: |
12.30.2019 11:05 |
| Story ID: |
357572 |
| Location: |
US |
| Web Views: |
53 |
| Downloads: |
0 |
PUBLIC DOMAIN
This work, Local veteran honored: WWII Soldier passes before 100th birthday, must comply with the restrictions shown on https://www.dvidshub.net/about/copyright.
