Arnold R. ‘Bert’ Bertelsen Jr., age 88, of Hudson, WI, passed away on November 27, 2016 at Pine Ridge Gardens Assisted Living in Hudson.

Arnold was born on February 15, 1928 in Eau Claire, WI to Arnold Sr. and Myrtle (Rasmussen) Bertelsen. He graduated from high school in Spring Valley, WI, then joined the navy.  He then went to the University of Wisconsin – Madison, where he obtained a Bachelor of Science degree in Pharmacy.

During his time in Madison, he met Virginia “Ginny” Wiegand, and they were united in marriage on August 16, 1952 in Racine, WI.  Bert and Ginny moved to Hudson, Wisconsin, purchased a store downtown and named it Bertelsen Drug. Bert proudly served as owner and pharmacist for many years. Eventually the pharmacy was turned into a gift shop called Pillar To Post. Bert opened five sister stores around the state. Later in life he became a land developer and opened a Century 21 office in Hudson.

Arnold and Ginny enjoyed spending time fishing and boating at their cabin on Red Cedar Lake in Birchwood, WI, and also at their condo on Pine Island, Florida. Arnold was an accomplished musician. He played string bass in a swing band in college and continued to play bass for most of his adult life.

Arnold sang in award-winning barbershop quartets, church choirs, gospel quartets, and formed a duo with wife Ginny and sang for many events. He was an avid fan of the Wisconsin Badgers, Green Bay Packers, and Milwaukee Brewers. His civic responsibilities included alderman, county commissioner, emcee of the Hudson Athletic Banquets, and was a member the Hudson Elks and Rotary.

He is survived by his wife, Ginny of Hudson, WI; children: David (Polly) Bertelsen of West Bend, WI, Robert (Annette) Bertelsen of Minnetonka, MN, and Margi (Kevin) Brown of Sugar Hills, GA; grandchildren: Derek Bertelsen, Corey Bertelsen, and Jinna (Thomas) Lusty; and great-grandson, Brett Bartoszewicz.

A Gathering of Friends and Family will be held from 4-6PM on December 26, 2016 at the O’Connell Funeral Home, 520 S. 11th St., Hudson. A Memorial Service will be held at 11AM on December 27, 2016 at the United Methodist Church, 1401 Laurel St., Hudson, with a gathering held one hour prior to the service at the church. Interment will be at Willow River Cemetery. Memorials are preferred to the family.