Obituary of Bernice Betty (Bertman) Netzorg

As her granddaughter, Kay, put it, “Heaven gained another angel” when Bernice Betty (Bertman) Netzorg passed away on July 6, 2022, after several years of declining health.

Bernice was born at home in Milwaukie, Oregon, the daughter of John A. and Emelie Bertman, on December 7, 1924. She had 4 older siblings, but only she, her sister Mildred and brother Arwid were born in the United States. Her brother Ebu, and her sister Margaret were born in Latvia before the family emigrated to the United States in the early 1900s.

Bernice was a graduate of Milwaukie High School Class of 1942. Following high school, she traveled to Washington, D.C., and worked as a secretary with the Department of the Interior. She married Leonard B. Netzorg on February 14, 1948, in Silver Spring, Maryland. They returned to Oregon in the mid 1950s and made Milwaukie their home.

Bernice was a long-time volunteer with the Ledding Library in Milwaukie. She, along with several other volunteers, spent countless hours repairing book bindings. She was very proud of being a part of keeping books available to everyone. Bernice was also an active member of the PTA during her sons’ school years. For decades, she and Leonard loved attending the Ballet and Opera until Leonard’s death in 2003.

When news of her passing filtered out to family and friends, one of the first comments made by most was “She made the BEST cookies! And they were all the same size and perfectly round! And, usually two or three different flavors!” Her cookies were legendary.

Bernice is survived by her two sons Gregory (Susan) Netzorg and Phillip (Prudence) Netzorg; two grandchildren Kenneth (Erika) Netzorg and Kathryn (Thomas) Sorenson; three great granddaughters Eliza and Lelia Netzorg and Mikayla Sorenson; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.

At Bernice’s request, there will be no funeral services. Her and Leonard’s remains are interred at Willamette National Cemetery in Portland.

In lieu of flowers, Bernice’s family requests donations to the Providence Milwaukie Foundation in support of the Leonard and Bernice Netzorg Fund or to a charity of your choice. Checks for the Netzorg Fund can be mailed to Providence Milwaukie Foundation at 10150 SE 32nd St., Milwaukie, OR 97222 or you can give online at www.give.providencefoundations.org/milwaukie. 

Finally, Bernice’s family thanks Tenderly Hospice for their thoughtful and compassionate care given to her, and to us, during her time on Hospice; and to The Springs, for the lovely home provided for the last several years.