On Wednesday, August 18, 2021, Joe "Pete" Bertling of Bartlett, TN  passed away at the age of 74.

Pete was born on September 5, 1946 in Jackson, MO,  the first of three children to Albert and Ally Beth "Shorty" Bertling (Short).  He graduated from Jackson High School in 1964 and then spent two years at Southeast Missouri State University (SEMO) where he played in the band.  Pete then served in the United States Air Force where he was stationed in Blytheville, AR and later in U-Tapao, Thailand.

While stationed in Blytheville, he would meet his wife, Patricia Elaine Clutts, whom he would marry in January of 1970.  Pete and Elaine would go on to raise two children while living in Memphis, TN and had a long and entertaining 30 year career with the Memphis Police Department where he retired at the rank of Captain.

Pete was happiest when he was around his family.  Whether it was at sporting events, birthday celebrations or Fourth of July pool parties at the little house on Prescott Circle.  He was extremely proud of his children, their spouses and his five grandkids, who never failed to laugh at his jokes that had been told many times before.  With his infectious laugh and smile, he was always the highlight of a get together.

He also loved catching up with his old MPD buddies at their monthly luncheon where they could tell their old stories of fighting crime on the mean streets of South Memphis.  His brothers in Law Enforcement were always special to him.

Pete also loved talking to people on the phone.  His calls would come in at some of the most inopportune times, yet Pete was persistent and would "butt dial" you on accident just to get you on the phone.  You could try in vain to tell him you had to get off the phone, but he was not going to hang up until HE 10-4'd YOU.  Don and Chuck were probably the two most assaulted victims of his telephonic onslaught.

But Elaine was the shining star in his life.  Their travels abroad and trips with his cousins Don and Sharon and other friends were always guaranteed for great stories later on.  Elaine and Pete were inseparable over their nearly 51 year marriage.  They loved their dinners out with cousins Perry and Cindy, loved their trips to Huntsville, AL or just going back home to Jackson to visit family.

Pete lived a life that we can only hope to mimic.  He was a true family man.  A wonderful husband, terrific dad, the best Papa and a loyal friend.  He is survived by his wife Elaine, his two children,  Rob  Bertling of Bartlett, TN and his wife Meredith, and daughter Anna Kranz and her husband Doug; his sisters Kathy Brown (Steve) of Desoto, MO, Beth Hall (Steve) of Jefferson City, MO; five grandchildren, Bergin  "Mr Soccer", Michael and Carly (the two that were ALWAYS up to something together, John " Coop" , Nora the giggly free spirit, and countless friends, cousins, nieces, nephews, football sons and volleyball daughters.

A celebration of life will be held at Forrest Hill Cemetery at 2440 Whitten Rd. in Memphis at 4:00 PM on Saturday, August 21, 2021.  Due to Covid issues the service will be for family only at this time.  At a later date the family hopes to have an informal get together for friends and loved ones.