Charles "Bill" Bertschi, 84, of Hamilton, IL died Saturday, May 9, 2015 at his home. He was born March 7, 1931 in Ft. Madison, IA the son of John W. and Florence Carlson Bertschi. On June 14, 1953 he was united in marriage to Betty Smith at the First Christian Church in Dallas City, IL. She survives. He is also survived by a daughter; Karyn Bertschi and her husband Jim Wrigley of Portland, OR, three sons; Christopher Bertschi and his wife Becky of Kahoka, Kevin Bertschi and his wife Alana Shock of Columbus, OH, and Curtis Bertschi of Hamilton, three grandchildren; Alexander Bertschi-Wrigley, Chloe Bertschi and Anna Bertschi, his brother; Duane Bertschi and his wife Rosanne of Nauvoo, IL, his sister; Janice McCarty and her husband Jack of Nauvoo, along with his two cats; Xerxes and Bella. He was preceded in death by his parents and his sister, Betty Martinez. Bill graduated from the Dallas City High School with the Class of 1948. After high school he proudly served in the United States Air Force during the Korean Conflict as a radio operator. When he was discharged from the Air Force he returned back home and furthered his education and received his bachelor's degree from the University of Illinois. He had worked as a metallurgical engineer for forty years and retired from Sandusky International in Sandusky, OH in 1996. He was an active member of First Christian Church Disciples of Christ in Keokuk and had served in numerous positions within the church. Bill enjoyed playing racquetball. He was a skilled player and hard to beat. Bill was a cruciverbalist, a crossword puzzle enthusiast, and worked on puzzles daily. He also enjoyed being a ham radio operator and riding his bike. He was an avid Fighting Illini fan and lifelong, diehard Cubs fan. Above all else was Bill's love and devotion for his family. He was a man of faith, a devoted husband and a loving father and grandfather. A gathering of remembrance will be held from 5 – 8 p.m., Thursday at the First Christian Church Fellowship Hall in Keokuk. The family will meet with friends at that time. Memorials may be made to the First Christian Church in Keokuk or the First Christian Church in Sandusky, Ohio.