Bertram Donald Couch

Bertram "Bert" Donald Couch, 67, of Holts Summit, Missouri, formerly of Albertville, Minnesota, passed away on Thursday, February 1, 2018, at his home surrounded by family. He was born October 19, 1950, in St. Louis, Missouri, a son of the late Ralph D. and Eunice J. (Hunt) Couch. He was a 1969 graduate of Normandy High School in St. Louis, and went on to attend the University of Missouri in Columbia. On May 28, 1999, Bert was united in marriage to the love of his life, Mary Katherine "Kathy" (Schulte) Wieberg, who has been by his side since their marriage at St. Peter Catholic Church. Bert was known for his love and passion of the arts, gardening, nature, reading, gourmet cooking, the St. Louis Cardinals, the Beatles and Bob Dylan, and all things Mizzou. Bert loved to dance and most of all he will be remembered for his legendary upbeat quick wit and humor. Bert was a loving husband, son, son-in-law, brother, and brother-in-law; a supportive step-father, step-grandfather and uncle; and a true mentor and friend to many in the hospitality, food and beverage industry where Bert faithfully worked for 25 years until his illness. Diagnosed with Multiple System Atrophy (MSA), the last two years may have been a battle, but cheers to Bert for always gracefully delivering the last word. You will truly be missed each and every day. Bert is survived by his loving wife: Kathy Couch of the home; two step-daughters: Michele (Brian) Zovic of Shakopee, Minn.; Megan (Mark) Tesmer of Farmington, Minn.; three step-sons: Troy (Jessica) Wieberg and Gabriel (Tiffany) Wieberg, both of Jefferson City; and Aaron Wieberg of Ballwin; two siblings: Pamela (William) Shepardson of Herman; and Bruce Couch of Defiance; mother-in-law: Mary Jane Schulte of Jefferson City; brother and sisters-in-law: Guy and Melaine Ott of Jefferson City; Paul Schulte (Sharon Bertels) of Jefferson City; Mark and Lisa Schulte of Springfield; seven step-grandchildren: Jacob Wieberg, Emma Wieberg, Justin Wieberg, Alex Wieberg, Samuel Zovic, Lucas Tesmer, Logan Tesmer; nephew: Mark Couch as well as many other nephews and nieces and his faithful companion: Lucy. Bert was preceded in death by his parents: Ralph and Eunice Couch; his father-in-law: Edward Schulte; and his grandparents: Humbert and Paula Couch, and Bert and Carrie Hunt. Friends will be received from 1:00 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 4, 2018, at the Slater-Millard Family Funeral Chapel in Holts Summit. A Memorial Service will follow at 3:00 p.m. Sunday, February 4, 2018, at the Slater-Millard Family Funeral Chapel, with Chaplain Lisa Deutsch officiating. In lieu of flowers, expressions of sympathy may be made to the Charity of the Donor's Choice. Arrangements are under the direction of the SLATER-MILLARD Family Funeral Chapel, 540 South Summit Drive; Holts Summit, MO 65043. (573) 896-5959. Condolences may be left for the family online at www.millardfamilychapels.com