Thomas Henry Bertrand Obituary (1937 - 2017)

Thomas Henry Bertrand, 80, of Normal, passed away at 4:26 p.m., Friday, October 6, 2017 at his home.His funeral Mass will be at 11:00 a.m., Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Historic St. Patricks Catholic Church, Bloomington with Rev. Jeffrey Stirniman, Rev. Geoff Horton and Monsignor Douglas Hennessy concelebrating. Burial will be in Resurrection Cemetery, Danville. Visitation will be from 4:00-7:00 p.m., Friday, October 13, 2017 at Carmody-Flynn Funeral Home, Bloomington with a rosary service at 7:00 p.m.Memorials may be directed to Holy Trinity Choir or the St. Vincent de Paul Society of Holy Trinity Church.Tom was born January 17, 1937 in Indianapolis, Indiana, the son of Victor E. and Winifred Bertrand. He married Maria F. Gehl. She survives.He is also survived by his beloved children, Edward (Yuka), Andrew (Rita), Mary Frances (John), Paul M.D. (Angela), Monica (Marc), Rita Rose (Ryan), John Pierre (Gina), Elizabeth Ann (Keith), Maria Patricia (Bob) and Teresa.He was preceded in death by his twin brother, W. James Bertrand in infancy, his parents, a brother, Rev. Victor E. Bertrand, CSV 2010 and two son, John Thomas and Bernard James. Tom was a member of Holy Trinity Catholic Church and Historic St. Patricks Catholic Church, both in Bloomington. He was a member of the Fourth Degree Knights of Columbus. He enjoyed being a Knight and serving in the Honor Guard.Tom loved his Lord, his church, his family and his country. He went to the Officer Candidate School, NAVSTA, Newport, R.I. and served as a Navy Officer for eight years, receiving the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal and the National Defense Service Medal, both for his service in the Cold War in Berlin.Tom loved to sing, had a big heart, was a loving husband, kind to everyone and loved children. He will be greatly missed by all who were a part of his life. He had a warm heart and was a helpful soul. Tom will remain forever the Guardian Angel and heartlight of his wife and soulmate of many years.