Bertrum Caswell

After graduating from Brainerd State Junior College in 1947, Bertrum went on to complete the requirements to graduate from the University of Minnesota in 1954. He spent 34 years with Honeywell. After numerous assignments in supervisory and managerial positions, he retired in 1984 and returned to the Brainerd Lakes Area. Bert has been active as an RSVP volunteer for almost 30 years as a driver for “Meals on Wheels” as well as providing transportation for medical support to needy seniors. He has also been acting in several clubs and organizations including the Brainerd Lions, Elks, Legion and Gala. He has been a member of the Lutheran Church of the Cross in Nisswa for about 30 years where he has served close to 20 years on the Memories/Special Gifts committee. He created and crafted stained glass windows for the church. He has been singing and dancing with the “Geritol Frolics” for nearly 25 years under the direction of Bob Dryden, Denny Lamberson, and Ed Younker. Bert has not forgotten his ties to Central Lakes College. The “Gladys Caswell Memorial Scholarship Fund” was established with the Central Lakes College Foundation for students in memory of his wife.

Gladys Caswell was a 1941 Brainerd High School honor graduate, active in all high school activities. She was in band, chorus, yearbook, marching band, and a homecoming attendant. Gladys and Bert were each other’s best dancing partner since Junior prom in high school. She married Bert in 1944 at Lake City, Fla. She was a member of Lutheran church of the Cross, Nisswa Women’s Club, charter member of the Geritol Frolics, Heartland and North Country Plus Square Dance Clubs, and was co-chairperson of the Minnesota State Square and Round Dance Convention in Duluth. One of Gladys’ hobbies was painting; in all mediums from chalk and pastels to oils.