Richard O. Bertschinger

Jan. 20, 1926 - Oct. 4, 2016 EDMOND Richard O. Bertschinger left this mortal life Oct. 4, 2016, to join his wife, Sue, in heaven. Richard was born Jan. 20, 1926, in Chino, CA, the eldest child of Christina Hauser and Otto William Bertschinger. He played basketball and tennis in high school, worked as a mechanic in Zeke's Garage, and graduated Valedictorian of Chino High School Class of 1943. He served his country in the Navy during World War II and later, graduated from The University of California at Berkeley with a degree in electrical engineering. He lettered in tennis while at Berkeley and went to work for Western Union Telegraph upon graduation. While traveling the United States as a Field Engineer, he met Sue Robinson on a blind date in Kansas City, MO. He wrote to her daily until they married in 1949. In 1954, they moved from Southern California to Oklahoma City when Dick went to work for Jones-Shelburne Oil. He later started his own company and enjoyed work as an independent oil producer for many decades. Sue died in 1996, and son, Rick, passed away in 2013. He pressed on with strong faith and strong will. Richard is survived by his sister, Barbara Francisco, Ontario, CA; his children, David, Oklahoma City; and Jane Griggs, Edmond, OK; son-in-law, Dr. Tom Griggs; and grandchildren, Grace and Luke. We will miss you Dad - but we know you are free at last, and we will see you again. To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Richard O. Bertschinger please visit our Sympathy Store.