Lynn “Bird” Bertelsen, 58, of Johnston passed away on Saturday, October 7, 2017 at home with his family by his side. A memorial gathering will be held from 4:00 PM – 7:00 PM on Wednesday, October 11, 2017 at Caldwell Parrish Funeral Home & Crematory in Urbandale. A memorial service will be at 4:00PM on Saturday, October 14, 2017 at Hoy-Kilnoski Funeral Home & Crematory in Council Bluffs. A celebration of life reception will be held after the memorial service at the McClelland Hall. In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Colon Cancer Foundation of Iowa.

Lynn was born on December 8, 1958 in Underwood, IA to Kenneth and Doris Bertelsen. Lynn graduated from Underwood High School in 1977. On March 17, 1989, he married Sheila in Burlington, KY. Lynn worked at Midwest Office Technology for 21 years.

Lynn had many hobbies that he enjoyed. He loved spending time at home with his wife and daughters. He had a soft spot for animals and his dogs held a very special place in his heart. He spent a lot of days working out in his garage or out in the yard. Anytime something broke you could always count on him to stop what he was doing and did his best to fix it. He also had a big passion for his motorcycles. He loved taking Sheila for rides, visiting various Harley shops and talking with other motorcycle enthusiasts. He also loved to entertain his friends and family by cooking great meals indoors or outdoors on one of his many grills. He never failed to yield a hearty laugh with his jokes and his enthusiasm for the latest gadgets. He never knew a stranger and his kind-hearted soul will never be forgotten.

He is survived by his wife, Sheila Bertelsen; children, Veronica Lynn Bertelsen, Gina Nicole Bertelsen; mother, Doris Bertelsen Grote; siblings, Gail Bertelsen, Susan (Gerry) Schmidt, Kirsten Botello; mother and father-in-law, Marion and Connie Plumb; sister-in-laws, Lezli (Steve) Root, Trisha (Nick) McGrain, Rhonda (Robert) Casson; nieces and nephews, Melissa, Hanna, Stephanie, Lezli, Meagan, Hailey, Colby, Erika, Jordan, Natalie, Lawson; several friends; and dog, Chubs.

He was preceded in death by his father, Kenneth Bertelsen and dog, Abbie.