Bertie Melvin “Bert” Bernritter, 72, of Topeka, passed away Thursday, June 16, 2016.

He was born April 29, 1944, in Topeka, Kansas, the son of Cletis Melvin and Freida Beryl (Blevins) Bernritter. He was a 1964 graduate of Seaman High School. He entered the U.S. Army on March 17, 1967 and served three years. He also served in the 610th Army Reserve Unit until retiring on March 21, 1991. After retirement he would continue employment with the Civil Service as part of the Army Reserves, retiring in January of 2003.

Survivors include four sister, Cleta (Kurt) Kreutzer, Topeka, Veryl (Max) Cohen, Wakarusa, Julie (Victor) Gaines, Scranton and Judy (Jack) Conner, Hubbard, NE; several nieces, nephews and great-nieces and nephews; and his “heart adopted” son, Kenny Cochrane, Topeka.

Bert enjoyed helping anyone in need. He also enjoyed cooking, and his rescue dogs, Fluffy and Theodore.

A funeral ceremony will be 10 a.m., Saturday, June 25, 2016 at the Penwell-Gabel Parker-Price Chapel, 245 NW Independence Ave, Topeka, KS 66608. Interment with military honors will follow at the Penwell-Gabel Cemetery, Topeka.

Bert will lie in state after 3 p.m., Friday at the funeral home where the family will receive friends from 7-8 p.m.

Memorial contributions may be made to Jefferson County Humane Society, 15295 K4 Hwy, Valley Falls, KS 66088 or Second Chance Animal Refuge Society, P.O. Box 22, Auburn, KS 66402.

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