Joseph Bertot, 92, of Collinsville, Ill., born Feb. 27, 1922, in Collinsville, Ill., died Monday, April 21, 2014, in Seward, Neb.

Mr. Bertot was born in a tavern in Collinsville, Ill., the first of his Italian immigrant family to be born in America. His father was a coal miner and his mother couldn't speak English. He attended Ss. Peter and Paul School up to 7th grade when he left to work as a baker's apprentice. He stayed in the baking business for most of his career, from owning his own bakery to opening bakeries for large department stores as well as Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. Joe served as a cook for the U.S. Army in World War II, and was stationed in England where he met his wife, Ann Wilkinson. They were married 53 years before her death in 1998. Joe loved traveling, horses, sports, dining out, playing cards and spending time with family and friends. He was an active member of the Knights of Columbus and received the honor of 4th Degree Knight in 1981.

He was preceded in death by his wife, Ann, nee Wilkinson, Bertot; parents, Charles and Mary, nee Zabella, Bertot; and four sisters, Anna Betta, Pierna Banche, Minnie Bailey and Emma Calza.

Surviving are two daughters, Sanya (David) Dickherber of St. Charles, Mo., and Kathy (Jim) Long of Milford, Neb.; 11 grandchildren; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Memorials may be made to Knights of Columbus. Condolences may be expressed to the family online at www.herrfuneral.com

Visitation: Friends may call from 4 until 8 p.m. Friday, April 25, 2014, at Herr Funeral Home, Collinsville, Ill., and from 9:30 until 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 26, 2014, at Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Collinsville.

Funeral: Funeral will be held at 10:30 a.m. Saturday, April 26, 2014, at the church with Father John Beveridge officiating. Burial will be in Ss. Peter and Paul Catholic Cemetery, Collinsville, Ill.