Raymond Eugene Bert

Raymond Eugene Bert, 93, died Monday (Sept. 13, 2010) at Larksfield Place in Wichita.

He was born on Aug. 22, 1917, in Detroit, Kan., to Abram and Ada (Nattier) Bert. He graduated from Neodesha High School and Kansas State University with a bachelor of science in milling technology.

He served his country during World War II in the U.S. Navy in the Pacific earning the rank of lieutenant junior grade.
On March 15, 1941, he married Rachael J. Congdon, and she survives. He was known for his more than 70 years in the alfalfa dehydration industry. He owned and operated several agricultural businesses, including Bert & Wetta Sales, Field Queen Inc. and Cattleman Inc.

Ray was an active member of the Plymouth Congregational Church in Sedgwick, where he served as deacon, treasurer and trustee. He also was chairman of the local school board for nine years, was an active Scout master for 12 years and was a member of the chamber of commerce. Raymond also was president and director of the American Dehydrators Association. He was a member of the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity and Lions Club, and was a 32-degree Mason for more than 65 years. As a young man, Ray was very active in Boy Scouts and earned the rank of Eagle Scout. Ray’s greatest legacy will be his honesty and integrity demonstrated by the manner in which he lived his life. He will always be remembered for his eternal optimism and infectious smile.

He is survived by his wife, Rachael Jane Bert of Wichita; sons, Stephen of Missoula, Mont., Kendall of Tucson, Ariz., Stanley of Dallas, and Carlton and his wife Shari of Larned; daughter, Natalie Bert Nickell of Dallas; 11 grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents and one sister, Dorothy Croston.

Visitation will be 1 to 9 p.m. Friday and 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday at Petersen Funeral Home in Newton. The family will be receiving friends from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Friday.
Graveside funeral service will be at 2 p.m. Sunday at Hillside Cemetery in Sedgwick, with a reception to follow at Larksfield Place at 7373 E. 29th St. North in Wichita.
Memorials may be left to Plymouth Congregational Church in care of Petersen Funeral Home, 215 N. Main St., Newton, KS 67114.