Kyle Bertelson

     Kyle Mitchell Bertelson, age 63, died on June 6, 2026, in Missouri Valley, Iowa. Kyle was born October 14, 1962 to Jerry and Janice Bertelson in Missouri Valley, exactly four years and five minutes after the birth of his older brother. He grew up living on the family acreage east of town and, after his parents divorced in 1968, spent time living with his father west of town. Like most farm boys of the era, he spent time hoeing beans and rouging corn. Kyle also spent time zooming around on a mini-bike and developed a love of all things mechanical. Happy times were spent on his Powell grandparent’s farm and with his cousins at Bertelson Corner in Bemidji, Minnesota. Kyle graduated from Missouri Valley High School in 1981.

     Kyle married Elizabeth “Liz” Renee Rodewald on August 23, 1986. Daughter and namesake Kylie Marlene Bertelson was born in July, 1987. The marriage did not last yet Kyle maintained contact with Kylie over the years and their relationship was rekindled before his passing.

     After high school Kyle farmed with his father for a time. His lifestyle led to a wide variety of experiences and work over the years. He lost his home to a fire, worked on an oil rig in the Gulf of Mexico, rode out Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and successfully escaped from that city in the aftermath of the storm. Kyle was plagued with the disease of alcoholism for most of his life. His ups and downs with the disease led him through many places including Atlanta, Des Moines, Omaha and eventually back to Missouri Valley. His most successful period of sobriety lasted 13 years and he was a good farm hand for Salter Farms and working for his cousin Brit Liljedahl. The time with Liljedahls was a true blessing with a caring, cat-loving boss, and time spent with his beloved Aunt Carole.

     Kyle was kind, generous with his time and loved animals, especially cats. He cared for a herd of cats where he lived, providing spaying and vet care to all. Kyle loved to tell a story, usually about one of his misadventures. His language was full of colorful metaphors which, for the most part, cannot be told in mixed company. He once wrote “If you can’t laugh at yourself, you cannot laugh at anything!” Kyle enjoyed the company of others yet was dedicated to his solitude. When he finally owned his own place he wrote in celebration “It’s time for my space and my world I call my domain. The peace and personal space I have will have a calming effect on my personality.” His struggle with life and his disease was a mix of self-pity and optimism. His living space filled with notes like “Believe!” “Be Authentic!” and “If your soul is in the right place you’re giving back.” An occasional guitar player, he carried a guitar pick in his wallet. Among his books is a dog-eared copy of “The Power of Positive Thinking.”

Kyle was preceded in death by his mother, Janice Marlene Powell Bertelson (1984); his father, Gerald “Jerry” Richard Bertelson (2018); and his ex-wife, Liz Rodewald (2021). He is survived by his daughter, Kylie (Eric) Lorenzen of Woodbine, Iowa, with stepchildren Carter & Mya; stepmother, Sharon Bertelson of Missouri Valley; brother, Chris (Laura) Bertelson of Winterset, Iowa; nieces, Lizzy Bertelson (Miguel) of Baltimore, Maryland, Carri Bertelson (Eric) of Boston, Massachusetts, Christan (Mitch) Hoefling of Phoenix, Arizona, and Kati Bertelson of Des Moines, Iowa; and 29 cousins.

     There will be a private family graveside ceremony at a later date. Condolences & “Kyle Stories” can be sent to Kylie Lorenzen, 205 Normal St, Woodbine, Iowa 51579 and to Chris & Laura Bertelson, 206 S 4th Ave, Winterset, Iowa 50273. Any memorials will go towards Animal Support & Rescue.