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Submitted: 5/23/21 • Approved: 5/24/21 • Last Updated: 5/27/21 • R272119-G272119-S3
Bert A. Itterman
October 30, 1926 - August 29, 2020
Bert A. Itterman began his life in Gronau, Westfallen, Germany amidst political unrest in Europe. At eight months old, Bert immigrated to Canada with his parents, Olga (Zeitner) and Albert Itterman and his sister, Irma. He grew up primarily in Springside, Saskatchewan on a farm where he learned to be a jack of all trades. There were many hardships in those years but hard work, creativity, faith, music and love of horses became things that would be constants throughout his life.
Feeling a call to be a pastor, Bert attended the Christian Training Institute in Edmonton, AB and then moved to Sioux Falls, SD where he graduated from Sioux Falls College and the North American Baptist Seminary. He married Evelyn (Lang), the true love of his life, on August 13, 1954 and was ordained into the pastorate in 1955. Together, Bert and Evelyn served many churches in the Upper Midwest (Emery, SD; Randolph, MN; Stevensville, MI; George, IA; Parkston, SD; Platte, SD; Rock Rapids, SD; Luverne, MN) including starting two churches and being instrumental in constructing a church building in Reynosa, Mexico. Music always played an important role in Bert’s life and ministry, rooted in those early days with his family. He used his talents to perform in and lead many musical groups, with special fondness for the Musical Messengers which was formed during his time at the First Baptist Church of George, IA. Few things made him happier than an excellent performance that ministered to the audience. His powerful baritone voice was easily picked out, even from a congregation, as he loved to sing with power and in harmony.
Bert loved working with his hands, making memories with his family, and traveling. He started building barns and houses with his father and later worked in house construction to support himself while in college which developed skills that served him well when he started a second career in the real estate and apartment business in Sioux Falls. Bert also spent many happy hours in his workshop, creating projects for family and friends. His construction and woodworking skills often benefited children and grandchildren through help on projects and specially crafted gifts. Even though he became a US citizen on the first Law Day on May 1, 1958, his love of hockey from years in Canada was always evident. He even made an ice rink many years in his back yard, especially when living at their home outside of Harrisburg, SD. It was a highlight of family Christmas gatherings when all would take to the ice for a family hockey game. He loved playing and watching hockey but was also faithful Minnesota Twins fan. When it came to travel, Bert and Evelyn visited Mexico, the Holy Lands, China, much of Canada and nearly every state in the US.
Bert was passionate about his faith, ideals, family and pretty much everything in which he engaged. He loved to have a good laugh, play a good-natured joke and or tell a humorous story. He felt everyone has a unique story to tell and he enjoyed sharing his story in his book, Growing Up with Grandpa. Bert’s story was grounded in his desire to serve his Savior, Jesus Christ, and point others to a life honoring Him. In his last years, he especially appreciated the excellent and kind care from staff at Trail Ridge Retirement Community/Assisted Living and Ava’s House.
He is survived by his wife, Evelyn (Lang) Itterman of Sioux Falls, SD; his son, Bryon (Myrna) Itterman of Aberdeen, SD and daughters Yvonne (Tim) Wilde of Sioux Falls and Diane (Robert) Pippenger of Kernersville, NC; 10 grandchildren and 6 great grandchildren. He was preceded in death by son, Bruce Itterman, his parents, Albert and Olga (Zeitner) Itterman, sister Irma Itterman, brother, Richard Itterman.
Visitation will be held at the Heritage Funeral Home in Sioux Falls on Monday from 6:00 – 7:30 pm with family present. His funeral service will be on Tuesday, September 1, 2020 at 11:00 am at Trinity Baptist Church of Sioux Falls. To watch it virtually check Trinity Baptist Church website, tbcsiouxfalls.org.
Section Cedar- Plot # 492
Contributed on 5/23/21 by 9katz
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Record #: 272119