Leonard Hudson Bertram, age 97, died on February 9, 2025, at Freighter View Assisted Living in Sault Ste. Marie, Michigan. He was born on April 18, 1927, in Sault Ste. Marie at the family home of Augustus and Amelia (Guest) Bertram.
Leonard grew up in Sault Ste. Marie. His father raised honeybees, and one fond childhood memory was that he and his siblings would cut the wax cells out to eat, thinking that their father would not notice. At a young age, Leonard worked on his uncle and aunt’s farm feeding animals, milking cows, gathering eggs and spreading the fields with manure. He ran away from home at sixteen to join the Merchant Marines. He later decided that it wasn't the place for him and at the age of 18 joined the United States Navy. In the Navy, he trained in construction and heavy equipment and was in the 53rd U.S. Navy Construction Battalion, the SeaBees. He was sent to Bikini Atoll to work on preparing for the testing of the atomic bombs.
After his honorable discharge from the Navy, he and a group of friends started a cleaning company in the Soo to make some extra money. In their free time they would watch movies, hang out at the Karmalcorn Dairy Bar and ride motorcycles - Len on his beloved Indian. He also continued his education, getting his GED and other technical school electrical and electronic certifications. Later, he moved to Grand Rapids, Michigan and it was there that he met Marion Dale. They were married on March 21, 1953. Shortly after getting married, they built their house and started their family. In 1954, they returned to Sault Ste Marie. He was a hardworking and dedicated electrician for the Edison Sault Electric Company for 36 years. Leonard retired in 1990.
Len loved horses, motorcycles and, of course, electricity. He loved to learn and as a result built his own computer in the 1970’s. He also enjoyed building model boats, helicopters and cars; singing in choirs; riding on his scooter; and being outdoors chopping wood or camping.
Leonard is survived by daughters, Linda Olsen of Highland, California and Susan (Don) Autore of Sault Ste. Marie; sons, Steven (Patti) Bertram of Green Bay, Wisconsin, and Tracy (Susan) Bertram of Rescue, California; grandchildren, Jason Carillo, Heather Olsen, Erika Bertram, Korry Bertram, Bill (Amy) Bertram, Andrew (Chiharu) Bertram, Kristin Autore, Brent (Lynn) Autore and Robin (Don) Blalock; twelve great-grandchildren and many nieces and nephews; sisters-in-law Betty Bertram and Bunnie Dale; and special friend, Patricia Montero.
Leonard was preceded in death by his wife, Marion; son, Terry Bertram; granddaughter, Sherri Autore-Skogmon; parents, Augustus and Amelia; and siblings, Howard (Evelyn) Bertram, Yvonne (Stewart) Gray, Lucille (Melvin) Thompson, Arnold (Ileen) Bertram, Robert (Jan) Bertram and Earl Bertram.
A Visitation will be held at the Family Life Funeral Homes, 4951 S. M-129, Sault Ste. Marie on Monday, February 24, 2025, from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM. The Funeral Service will follow at 1:00 PM.
Memorial Contributions may be made in Leonard’s honor to Northwoods Hospice, 500 W. McMillan Ave #B, Newberry, MI 49868 or Hospice of the EUP, 308 W 12th Ave, Sault Ste. Marie, MI 49783.
Family Life Funeral Homes assisted the family with arrangements. Condolences may be left to the family at www.familylifefh.com
Obituary as submitted by family.
