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George Edward Bertram III, owner of the former McCall Pancake House, passed peacefully at home surrounded by loved ones on January 2, 2024 after a well fought battle with prostate cancer.
He was born on May 12, 1948 in Los Angeles, CA to George and Catherine Bertram. He was raised in Pico Rivera, CA graduating from El Rancho High School in 1966. He was drafted into the United States Army in 1968, attending boot camp at Fort Ord, CA, Advanced Infantry Training at Fort Lewis, WA with follow on training at Fort Benning, GA. After serving his country in the Republic of Vietnam, he returned home to work in carpentry and cabinetry, becoming a member of the Carpenters Union, holding various leadership positions.
He married Dana Batelaan in 1977, welcoming a daughter, Ashley in 1980. In 1992 George moved to McCall, ID and joined the McCall Pancake House family after reconnecting with Bonnie, his friend of many years. They married in 1996 and George gained two more daughters and a son.
In 2002 the new Pancake House that he designed and built was completed. He and Bonnie continued to generously serve their customers, community and friends for two more decades. They enjoyed bringing the community together by hosting popular events like the Pumpkin Lighting Festival, providing spectacular flower displays throughout the summer, and festive lights for the Christmas season and beyond.
Over the years George was involved in many community projects including spearheading the construction of the snowmobile club grooming shed at the Francis Wallace parking lot.
George loved McCall and enjoyed visiting with all his friends and customers, attending ice rink events, and snowmobiling with his son-in-law and friends. He was selfless in volunteering his time to the community and anyone in need.
George was predeceased by his parents George and Catherine. He is survived by his loving wife, Bonnie Bertram; daughters, Stephanie (Glenda) Sheppard, Cori (Bill) Rice, Ashley (Jason) Stutzman and son, Rick Allen. He is also survived by his grandchildren, Caleb, Amory, Chaz, Zach, Izabella, Shane and Henry.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in his memory to Manchester Ice and Events Center, manchestericecenter.com; or McCall Area Snowmobile Club, snowmobilemccall.net.
A celebration of his life is planned for 2:00 p.m. on January 20, 2024 at Elk Creek Celebration Center, 14102 Highway 55 McCall, ID. Although George could really rock a tie, attire is Carhartt casual, suspenders optional.
Services are in the care of Potter Funeral Chapel of Emmett.
****Due to poor internet connection at the Elk Creek Celebration Center, the live streamed feed may not work.
If it doesn't work, the Celebration will be recorded and uploaded as soon as possible. Thank you for your understanding.****
To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of George Edward Bertram III, please visit our floral store.