Col. Edward Hiltner ‘Willie’ Bertram, 83, of Charlotte died Wednesday, March 11, 2009 at Carrington Place in Matthews, NC. He was born February 18, 1926 in Bryan, TX son of the late Col. Edward H. Bertram, Sr. and Rosalie Williams Bertram. At the time his father was Professor of Military Science & Tactics at Texas A&M. Like so many army brats, young Ed lived on many military posts and college campuses in the States as well as a tour in Panama. After his father’s death in 1942, his mother relocated the family to Charlotte, NC, her home town. Willie graduated from Central High School in 1943. From there it was on to a year at the Citadel. He found it so enjoyable that he opted for another bout of the same at West Point. After two plebe years it was clear sailing on to graduation and a commission in the infantry in 1948. His entry into the infantry earned him the nickname of ‘Willie’ in honor of the Bill Mauldin characters ‘Willie & Joe.’ During his 28 years of military duty, Ed served at various stateside posts as well as Germany, Thailand, Nepal and Vietnam. Along the way he managed to marry Anna Marie Hummert, his wife of 58 years at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral in Charlotte, NC. The children of their union were delighted by their father’s somersaults in the pool, body surfing at the beach and rides on the steepest, fastest roller coaster available; probably a hold over from his water polo days at West Point. He frequently showed off his unique talent of wiggling his ears, which served to frustrate his children who lacked the talent and suffered a loss of confidence and self-esteem as a result. After his children became too old to be amused by his antics, he became an avid organic gardener and proudly produced more tomatoes and squash than any household could or would care to consume. He also jumped into bee keeping but quickly jumped out when the bees showed every sign of maintaining their territorial rights. In addition to his parents, Col. Bertram was preceded in death by his sister, Katherine Brown and husband, Harold. Surviving in addition to his wife are his children, Edward Hiltner Bertram, III and his wife, Nancy, Frederick Hummert Bertram and his wife, Irene and Barbara Bayer Bertram and husband, David Dodd; grandchildren, Ian, Colin, David and Joanna; and brother, Robert R. Bertram and his wife, Shirley. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses and staff of Carrington Place and also Hospice and Palliative Care Charlotte Region. There will be a Rosary Service in the Dilworth Chapel of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service Sunday afternoon, March 15, at 4:00 p.m. with the family receiving friends following the service. A memorial service will be held at a later date, also interment will be in Arlington National Cemetery with Military Honors at a later date. In lieu of flowers the family requests that memorials be made to Heifer International, 1 World Avenue, Little Rock, AR 72202. Arrangements are in the care of Hankins & Whittington Funeral Service 1111 East Blvd. online www.hankinsandwhittington.com. Tags: 1947
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