Frank H Bertke

Frank H. Bertke, 84, passed away on November29, 2013 in Tucson, AZ. He was born in Cincinnati, Ohio on July 21, 1929 where he attended St. Xavier High School, the University of Cincinnati and the Central Academy of Commercial Art. Frank joined the U.S. Army where he attended Officers Candidate School (OCS) and served as a Lieutenant during the Korean Conflict. In 1952 he was awarded the American Spirit Honor medal. Upon honorable discharge he returned to Cincinnati and his career as a Director of Commercial Art. The most memorable achievement during this early career path was his design of the Valvoline "V" which continues to be used to this day! After receiving recognition and an award of merit for commercial art in 1960, Frank was drawn to his Father's Business and began a new career as an Electrical Contractor with Bertke Electric Co. The company was a member of the National Electrical Contractors Assn. (NECA) and Frank was elected to serve the Cincinnati Chapter as Vice President, President and Governor of NECA. His contributions to the local Chapter included serving many years on the Labor-Management Committee and the Negotiating Committee. On the National level of NECA, Frank was appointed in 1974 to the Council of Industrial Relations (CIR), serving the Committee until 1976 and was then elected Vice President of District Two. In 1977, he was appointed Co-Chairman of the CIR. After years of service on this Supreme Court of the electrical contracting industry, his contributions to NECA and to the industry were widespread. While serving as Co-Chairman of the National Joint Apprenticeship and Training Committee and as Chairman of the Manpower Development Committee his overall achievements were recognized by his being named to the prestigious McGraw Award in 1980. In 1982, while serving as a Co-Chairman of the NECA Construction Industry Study Committee, he was again recognized for his many exceptional achievements and was awarded the Comstock Award given by NECA for his distinguished record covering labor-management relations. During the 1980's and 1990's, Frank also served nationally as a member of the esteemed Business Roundtable in Washington DC. He is survived by his wife Marilyn, Sons: Frank Anthony Bertke (Debra) of Union, KY; Charles Arthur Bertke; Daniel Michael Bertke (Lisa) of Cincinnati, Ohio; and Stepson, Russell Keith Howard, Jr. of Houston, TX; beloved grandchildren Katherine Ohlander (Ben) of Cincinnati, OH, Carolyn Harvey (James)of Townsville, Queensland, Australia, Ryan Bertke (Kathryn) of Independence, KY, Jacob Bertke, Alexandra Bertke, and Jenna Bertke, all of Cincinnati , and 6 great grandchildren; his brothers: Jack Bertke, and Gene Bertke, sister Anne Branneman, Sisters-in-law, Judy Bertke, and Marianne Bertke of Cincinnati. He was preceded in death by his parents Arthur and Frances Bertke, brothers Lester, Donald, Robert, sisters Ruth, Mary Rose (Stan Sullivan), sisters-in-law, Betty, Gloria, and Mary Kay Bertke. A Memorial Mass and Celebration of Frank's life will take place on Friday, January 31, 2013 at 2:30pm at Santa Catalina Catholic Church, 14380 N. Oracle Road, Tucson, AZ.