FRIENDS REMEMBER BERTLING WITH BASEBALL SCHOLARSHIP

Marvin Proffer wanted to do something special in memory of his lifelong buddy, Joe Bertling, who died of cancer in late August at age 66.

What Proffer, Southeast Missouri State University's legislative consultant who works closely with the Southeast Missouri University Foundation, came up with seems to be a fitting gesture.

Proffer has been the primary mover behind the Joe Bertling Endowed Baseball Scholarship that has been set up at Southeast. The scholarship will go each year for an incoming freshman baseball player at Southeast.

The scholarship states that preference goes to a Cape Girardeau Central High player (Bertling graduated from Central in 1949), but if nobody qualifies, then second preference goes to a player from other Cape County schools and third preference to other Missouri high schools.

"Joe and I grew up like brothers. We lived about three blocks apart," said Proffer. "He was an outstanding athlete, particularly in baseball and basketball, and he was a great person.

"I spoke with Joe about this honor in May and he was very humble, but proud that his friends and relatives would remember him. I told Joe we need to keep the name alive and he thought it would be nice."

Bertling grew up in Cape Girardeau and became a standout athlete. In baseball, he starred at Central High, for numerous amateur teams including the Capahas and he also played several seasons in the minor leagues.

"He was a tremendous athlete, a natural," said Proffer. "In baseball, he played mainly shortstop around here, but he could play any position. I never remember him hitting less than .300.

"In basketball, he could hit from just about anywhere on the court. He had a two-handed set shot that was deadly."

And as good an athlete as Bertling was, said Proffer, he was just as good -- if not better -- as a person.

"Joe was like a big brother to many and he always brought out the best in people with his concern, help and caring, but he also could lift you up with his great sense of humor," Proffer said. "Joe will be missed by all of us, but it's great we can keep his name alive with this annual scholarship."

Bertling spent much of his adult life as a successful businessman in the real estate field in North Carolina, where he passed away. He left a wife and three children.

In just a few months, Proffer said the Southeast Missouri University Foundation has received nearly 50 pledges totaling more than $10,000. Southeast will match the first $5,000, for a current total of about $15,600 in the fund.

"The response has been good so far. We've reached the minimum for an endowed scholarship and it will certainly grow each year," Proffer said. "The fund is always open for people to contribute."

Anybody wishing to contribute should send Southeast a check payable to: Southeast Missouri University Foundation, or call 651-2203 for more information. Donations are tax deductible.