ALBANY – Mike Bertram, age 62, of rural Albany, died unexpectedly on Thursday, March 26, 2015, from natural causes.  He was born in Winchester on October 5, 1952, and grew up in Modoc.  He graduated from Union High School in 1971 and lived in various locations before moving near Albany in 1985.  Early on he worked for his dad at Bertram Construction Co. and had worked at Johnny Morris Chevrolet.  But, one of his greatest achievements was being one of the nation's top quarter horse jockeys and in 1973 was the nation's leader for races won.  Mike was currently working as the manager of Midwest Mat in Muncie and he also made deliveries for Liggett Greenhouses & Floral Shop in Albany.  He was a life member of the Indiana Quarter Horse Racing Association and belonged to the Masonic Lodge in Losantville.

He is survived by his wife of nearly 35 years, Mona (Liggett) Bertram, and their children: Michael Craig Bertram, Albany, and Joshua Bertram (girlfriend: Kayla), Albany; his mother: Kathleen Kay Bertram, Muncie; a brother: Randy Bertram, Farmland, and several nieces & nephews.

His dad, Sterlie R. Bertram, is deceased.

Services will be conducted at 4 p.m. Monday, March 30, 2015, at Meacham Funeral Service.  Cremation will follow.

Visiting hours will be held on Monday from 2 until 4 p.m. at the funeral home.

Memorials may be made to American Heart Association.

---