Bertus Charles Diamond

Bertus Charles Diamond was born September 20, 1928 and passed away at Bryan Lincoln Heart Institute on October 19, 2012.
Bert was born to Edwin and Lucille (Lake) Diamond on a farm east of Mankato, Kansas.

Except for a short period when his family lived in Tacoma, Washington, Bert lived his entire life in Jewell County. He attended Red Top country school and graduated from Mankato High School in 1947. As a high school student he worked alongside his father in farming. From 1951-1952 Bert proudly served the US Army in the Korean War.

On August 10, 1952 he was united in marriage to Audrey Appleby. In August 2012 they celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary. To this union, two children were born: Ricky Wayne of Mankato, Kansas, and Rebecca Ann of Kearney, Nebraska.

In 1963, they bought a farm near Lovewell, Kansas, and he developed an irrigation system on it. Bert was a farmer at heart, delighting to plant as early as weather permitted, and took great pride in watching his crops grow.

He was preceded in death by his mother, father, and brother, Dallas (Chuck) Diamond.

He is survived by his wife, Audrey; son Rick and wife, Sheila Diamond, Mankato, Kansas; daughter Rebecca and husband, Mark Butts of Kearney, Nebraska; three granddaughters, Nicolette and husband, Travis Ziegler, Wamego, Kansas; Ashley and Derek Clark, Superior, Nebraska; and Erin and Tyler Johnson, Chicago, Illinois. Great-grandchildren are Byron and Jackson Ziegler, Dayne and Levi Clark, Addilyn, Asher and Elias Johnson with one more Johnson expected in December. He is also survived by one brother, Richard Diamond of Mankato, Kansas.

Family and friends were the center of his life. He loved having people stop by for coffee and conversation. Bert was also an avid local sports team fan, but especially enjoyed football, which he excelled in during his own high school years.
A Celebration of life services will be October 22, 2012 at United Methodist Church at 10:30 a.m. Pastor Gerry Sharp will be officiating. Ms. Roxanne Bascom will be the pianist and a vocalist will be Mark Butts, Max Richardson, and Randy Stocks. They sang: “How Great Thou Art,” “Amazing Grace” and “In The Garden.” Casket bearers will be Travis Zeigler, Derek Clark, Tyler Johnson, Brian Shulda, Phillip Menhusen, Paul Wilson, and Greg Diamond. Honorary casket bearers will be Bob Murphy, Ronald Payne, Arthur “Bill” Lange, and Merlin “Jerry” Murray. Interment is at Mount Hope Cemetery, Mankato, Kansas. Military honors will be given by the United States Army Honor Guard, Fort Riley, Kansas. Funeral services are provided by Melby Mortuary Services of Mankato, Kansas. Memorials may be given to the Jewell County Ambulance Service.