Martha Kristin “Kris” Bertus passed away on March 28, 2026. Kris was born April 5, 1949 to Harry and Mona Steiner (Olson) in Waterloo, IA. She spent her growing up years in Marshall Town, IA and later Colorado Springs, CO.. As a teen, Kris attended a Billy Graham crusade. It was there her life was eternally changed when she chose toContinue Reading
Martha Kristin “Kris” Bertus passed away on March 28, 2026. Kris was born April 5, 1949 to Harry and Mona Steiner (Olson) in Waterloo, IA. She spent her growing up years in Marshall Town, IA and later Colorado Springs, CO..
As a teen, Kris attended a Billy Graham crusade. It was there her life was eternally changed when she chose to proclaim Christ as her Lord and Savior. The Lord directed her steps from that day forward.
When she chose to pursue her degree in education, Kris moved to Sioux Falls, SD to attend Augustana College. It was in Sioux Falls where she met Jerre. They were set up by Jerre’s sister, who was a friend of Kris’. They endured a year of long distance dating while Jerre attended college 5 hours away in the Black Hills. The times spent together were filled with card games and long walks. They were united in marriage on June 7, 1980. Kris and Jerre enjoyed 45 blessed years together. Their example of a godly, Christ-centered marriage will continue to be a testament to many.
Kris’ life was one of love – love for Jesus and a love for people. Kris spent a total of 30 plus years as a teacher, and touched many lives because of her strong sense of love and devotion for her students and their families, and to her fellow educators. Her time as a first grade teacher at Renberg Elementary was the most significant of her career. Many of the relationships established there lasted her lifetime.
A love for others was also apparent in Kris’ favorite way to connect: coffee dates. She had a passion for pouring into the lives of others by the simple act of having a cup of coffee with them. Whether it was hosting a small group of friends in her home or going to a favorite coffee shop, Kris knew how to connect in a meaningful and powerful way. And so often she had the honor of showing people the love of Christ in these moments.
Kris’ love of family was the most significant of all. As a wife, mother, mother-in-law, and grandma (AKA “Marmee”), etc. she was beyond compare.Her family experienced the gift of her love in many ways. Her time with her granddaughters is an example of this. She always set aside moments to be one-on-one in a favorite activity with each granddaughter during the near weekly overnights. Additionally, she said “I love you” regularly, both in words and action. Kris spoke or texted words of encouragement often and was quick to tell you “I’m lifting you up in prayer.” She gave little gifts frequently, especially to her daughter, just because. Even the sweet banter between Kris and her son-in-law was an expression of love. Kris gave grace, patience, and understanding with an open hand. The work of her Heavenly father in her life was evidenced in these everyday acts and habits.
Kris was a force of nature whose genuine warmth, hospitality, and kindness overflowed to everyone that she met. She will be missed by many and loved forever. Her life will be remembered as one lived well.
Kris was preceded in death by her parents, Harry and Mona Steiner (Olson); her step-father Harold Olson. She is survived by her beloved husband of 45 years, Jerre Bertus; her daughter, Molly Gurule, and her husband Joel; her cherished granddaughters, Nadia and Talia; her siblings, Steve Steiner and his wife Jeanne, Leanne Hesselberg and her husband Steve, and Mike Olson and his wife Shirley; as well as many other in-laws, nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
left a message on April 5, 2026:
Prayers and thoughts are with you always
left a message on April 3, 2026:
Kris and I met not long after she & Jerre moved to Missouri; we became best of friends!
We met at the grocery store. She was the customer and I was the employee. I soon realized that Kris and Jerre both enjoyed donuts early in the morning on the way to an estate sale. Kris soon asked me if I would like to meet and join her for a cup of coffee. From that point, we tried to meet once a month for that coffee time together. We shared our faith together and shared our lives as girlfriends often do. I will never forget our times together, but know I will see her again. Love you Kris.
left a message on April 2, 2026:
Chris made such an impact on my daughter’s. She was a wonderful Teacher, Mother, Christian, and friend. The world is missing a wonderful woman.
left a message on April 1, 2026:
Jerry& Molly, We were so sad to hear of Kris’s passing. She will be missed by everyone who knew her, her smile, her compassionate nature and her devotion to the Lord. I was privileged to know her as a friend and colleague at Renberg for all those years. Who can forget our First Grade/Third Grade buddies starting a family Thanksgiving that turned into something of epic proportions! I’m happy she was able to live close to Molly and granddaughters. Our hearts, love and prayers are with you.
With God’s Promise, Carol & Don Becker
left a message on April 1, 2026:
Jerre, Molly, and the rest of the family: God provides comfort. Trust Him. Kris was an inspiration. She built strong relationships with her students and their parents. What a great listener! What a great friend! I think of her as the model for great teaching. She was a blessing.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
left a message on April 1, 2026:
Jerre and family, our sincerest sympathies to you. Kris had a beautiful smile and such a loving nature. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and may God give you that peace that surpasses all human understanding.
left a message on April 1, 2026:
Dear Jerre and Molly,
My heart is heavy. Kris was my mentor at Renberg Elementary. Her soft spoken voice, her caring encouragement, and loving support help guide me in my first years of teaching. I enjoyed going over to her house for lunch or after school, she always had homemade goodies to share! She has touched so many lives and will be remembered by students, staff, family, and friends! Blessed be her memory! With deepest sympathy, Joni Hauglid
left a message on April 1, 2026:
Mrs. Bertus was a favorite teacher to many students. I remember her patience, kindness and caring attitude towards everyone. A memory I have is getting to go to her house and having lunch.
left a message on April 1, 2026:
Kris was an amazing and special woman, always kind and loving. Our family was blessed to have her as the first grade teacher for all three of our sons. Her impact is life changing, Everyone felt cherished and loved by her. Prayers to Jerre, Molly and family. You have our sincere sympathy.
left a message on March 31, 2026:
Kris was one of the most caring and kind co-workers a person could have. She truly had a heart of gold.
left a message on March 31, 2026:
Mrs. Bertus was the first teacher I had when I started at Renberg. She was very kind and patient with all of the students. She had a beautiful voice. Of course it’s been too many year, but the only song I remember singing repeatedly was “Head, Shoulders, Knees & Toes” faster and faster until we were out of breath. It makes me smile just thinking back. We will miss you Mrs. Bertus. Thank you for the wonderful memories.
left a message on March 31, 2026:
Mrs. Bertus was my favorite teacher. I will never forget walking to her house from school in first grade and having ice cream. She was always so nice. My sympathy and prayers for the family.
left a message on March 31, 2026:
My condolences to the family. I only knew Kris as Mrs Bertus. She was a loving, patient, and caring teacher. Blessed to have many great teachers over the years, I can say without a doubt, she was the best! Renberg elementary was a wonderful school and much of that was due to her contributions. You will be missed Mrs Bertus.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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