Bertram Wentzek was born July 13, 1933 in Bremerhaven Germany.
Bertram is survived by his wife and best friend, Hope; his son William; two daughters by marriage, Allison and Kate; his sisters Dagmar of North Carolina and Trauduer of Germany; as well as numerous friends whom he considered family.
In 1958 Bertram traveled to New York city from Germany on the S.S. America with his Mother and sister, Dagmar. He soon found work as a pastry chef and occasional ice sculptor at the Hotel Piccadilly.
Bertram traveled around the country for many years as a traveling chef for restaurants in New York, Florida, Chicago, Houston, Alabama, Michigan, Connecticut, Los Angeles and San Francisco.
Bertram and his family moved to Yosemite National Park in 1977 where he was Executive Chef for the Ahwahnee Hotel until 1991. When his son graduated from Mariposa high school in 1990, he decided to leave the area and open a bakery in Beaverton, OR near Portland.
Upon success of the bakery, he then decided to hang up his apron and fully retire in the seaside community of Newport, OR.
In his final years Bertram suffered a nasty fall that led to a decline in health. It was then decided to move back to California and settle near his wife’s family in Hemet.
In his final days Bertram was looked after by his wife Hope who never left his side during his last days on earth.
Many people will miss you, rest peacefully.
