Norbert Bertling - Sept. 2, 1942 - Jul. 6, 2023

[TowForce]

The family has released this information:

 

 

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Norbert Bertling

 

Norbert passed away peacefully on Thursday, July 6th at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. For those who would like to join us in remembering Norbert, there will be a visitation and funeral service next week.

 

Visitation:

Lensing Funeral Home | 605 Kirkwood Ave, Iowa City, IA

Tuesday, July 11th from 4:00 - 7:00 pm

 

Funeral service:

St. Peter's Catholic Church | 4022 Cosgrove Rd SW, Oxford, IA

Wednesday, July 12th at 10 am

 

Norbert's full obituary will be published in the days to come.

 

1996 International Hall of Fame Inductee

 

 

Norbert (Bert) Bertling

Elected:       April 13, 1996

Inducted:    August 16, 1996

Born:            September 2, 1942 – Worthington, Iowa

Married:      Virginia Kuebrich – April 25, 1990 – Las Vegas, Nevada

Children:    Tammy Walkner, Michele Huber, Dennis Bertling & Katherine Lund

 

History:      Bert, having been raised on a farm near Worthington, Iowa has had a life-long appreciation and love for machinery and heavy equipment, especially towing and recovery equipment.  Bert began working as a mechanic, wrecker and crane operator for Coonrod Wrecker and Crane Service in Cedar Rapids (Virgil Coonrod – Hall of Fame Class of 1994).  After giving 14 years of service to the Coonrods, he worked for Holiday Wrecker and Crane Service in Coralville, Iowa for 4 years.  In 1982 he founded Trebron, Inc. (Norbert spelled in reverse)

 

Trebron’s original product was an add-on hydraulic stiff-leg.  His heavy recovery experiences with both Coonrod’s and Holiday proved invaluable in the design and installation of these stiff-legs.  Prior to Trebron, Bert had fabricated hydraulic stiff-legs for both Coonrod’s and Holiday.  His design became a model for the towing industry as manufacturers have designed Trebron stiff-leg imitations.  Bert’s next major product contribution to the towing and recovery industry was the Trebron heavy duty underlift.  This product, in addition to being very timely in the industry, was masterfully designed.  In addition to manufacturing add-on equipment, Bert has designed and fabricated hydraulic boom conversions. More recently he has designed and built complete heavy recovery units from “scratch”, customized to fit the needs of individual users.  The quality of design, workmanship and performance of Trebron products are beyond reproach.  After attending tow shows throughout the country and learning about other state towing and recovery associations, Bert, seeing a need for a similar association in the State of Iowa, was instrumental in helping form the Towing and Recovery Professionals of Iowa (T.R.P.I.) in 1983.  Bert served as President from 1984 to 1989 and remains active as a Honorary Board Member.

 

https://internationaltowingmuseum.org/hall_of_fame/norbert-bert-bertling/

 

Obituary

Norbert Bertling (80), a dedicated innovator in the towing and recovery industry and devoted family man, passed away peacefully on July 6, 2023, surrounded by his family at Mercy Hospital in Cedar Rapids, Iowa, due to respiratory failure. He was born on September 2, 1942, in Worthington, Iowa, to Bill and Darlene Bertling.

 

Norbert's unwavering passion for machinery and heavy equipment, specifically towing and recovery equipment, defined his remarkable career and left an indelible impact on the industry. Raised on a farm near Worthington, he developed a deep appreciation for these tools, which shaped his life's work.

 

Norbert's professional journey began at Coonrod Wrecker and Crane Service in Cedar Rapids, where he worked as a mechanic, fabricator, tow truck and crane operator for 14 years. His dedication and expertise led him to Holiday Wrecker and Crane Service in Coralville, Iowa, where he contributed his skills for an additional 4 years.

 

In 1982, Norbert founded Trebron, Inc. (Norbert spelled in reverse), where he revolutionized the towing and recovery industry through his innovative designs and unparalleled workmanship. Norbert's pioneering hydraulic stiff-legs, developed from his vast experience in heavy recovery operations, became the gold standard in the industry, with other manufacturers emulating his designs.

 

Continuing his legacy, Norbert conceptualized and designed the Trebron heavy-duty underlift, showcasing his masterful engineering skills. He also excelled in fabricating hydraulic boom conversions and constructing customized heavy recovery units from scratch, catering to the unique needs of individual users. The quality, craftsmanship, and performance of Trebron products set an exceptional standard in the industry.

 

In recognition of his outstanding contributions, Norbert was inducted into the International Towing & Recovery Hall of Fame & Museum in 1996, solidifying his status as a pioneer and leader in the field.

 

In addition to his exceptional professional accomplishments, Norbert's commitment to the towing and recovery industry extended far beyond his innovative designs and contributions. As one of the founders of the Towing and Recovery Professionals of Iowa (T.R.P.I.) in 1983, he played a pivotal role in fostering safety, compliance, and professionalism within the field. Serving as President from 1984 to 1989, he recognized the crucial need for a state towing and recovery association and continued his unwavering dedication as an Honorary Board Member, offering invaluable expertise and steadfast support.

 

Norbert is survived by his loving wife, Virginia Bertling. He is also survived by his children Tammy (Mark) Walkner, Dennis (Bobbi McCoy) Bertling, and Kathy (Kevin) Joiner, and son-in-law Sam Huber; step-children Chuck (Susie) Kuebrich and Kim Kuebrich-Yordi; his sisters Barbara (Bill) Catlett, Alice Taylor, and Marilyn Hanson; his aunt Rosie Beadle; as well as 15 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.

 

He was preceded in death by his brother Alan, his parents, his brother-in-law Elden Hanson, and his daughter Shelly Huber.

 

A funeral mass will be held on Wednesday, July 12, at 10:00 AM at St. Peter’s Catholic Church in Oxford, Iowa. A luncheon will follow at the church hall. Visitation will be held from 4:00 - 7:00 PM on Tuesday, July 11, 2023 at Lensing Funeral & Cremation, 605 Kirkwood Avenue, Iowa City. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed toward the Norbert Bertling Memorial Fund c/o Lensing Funeral and Cremation Service.

 

Norbert’s unwavering dedication, innovative spirit, and lasting contributions to the towing and recovery industry will continue to be cherished and remembered by all whose lives he touched. Bert, as many knew him, would offer his expert advice to anyone who asked and constantly examined the challenges of recovery work to effectively make critical situations safer. May Norbert rest in eternal peace, and may his memory be a source of comfort and inspiration to all who knew him.

 

https://www.lensingfuneral.com/obituaries/Norbert-Bertling?obId=28365039

 

[Jennings Towing]

We were very sorry to hear of Bert's passing. His contributions and influence in our industry will live on forever.

 

[mooresbp]

He was indeed an innovator in the industry and will be missed!

[WildwoodJack]

Our industry has lost another great icon. He had a great passion for the towing industry and it was proven by the equipment he built. His name will live on forever as one of the greatest builders of heavy duty wreckers. My thoughts and prayers go out to the Bertling family. R.I.P. Bert. Jack Herman, Wildwood Service, Gages Lake, Illinois

[EdsTowing]

Our thoughts & prayers to the Bertling family.

 

Here was a guy that certainly had a leg to stand on...

[Lakeside]

Our thoughts & prayers to the Bertling family.

 

super nice helpful man.