Bertel, 56, died September 27, 1974 in Jackson, Oregon. He was born April 29, 1918, in Chinook, Washington. He was a member of the Lutheran Church and drafted into Civilian Public Service in 1942 from Eugene, Oregon. His occupation at that time was listed as groundsman.

Bertel served in Camp 21 at Cascades Locks, Oregon, before reporting to Camp 103 to be trained as a smokejumper. He was among the first CPS men to be trained as smokejumpers. Bertel jumped one season before returning to Camp 21 where he was discharged in 1945. He was married to his wife, Betty, in 1947.