Claudia Bertramsen

Claudia V. Bertramsen, wife of Jeffrey Reichel, mother of Matthew Reichel and Maren Bertramsen-Reichel passed over on November 15, 2020 after having walked the long and difficult path of pancreatic cancer for a year. She was surrounded by her family as she made her passing.  Diagnosed with the disease after returning from Matthew’s marriage to Maggie in Colorado she faced the task ahead with bravery, wisdom and immense strength.

Claudia is also survived by her sister Vickie Sullivan and her beloved nieces Anne and Joan Sullivan.  She is preceded by her parents, Victor Bertramson and Dorothy Buckingham Bertramson and her brother Mark Bertramson.

Claudia was born on April 1, 1948 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. She received her undergraduate degree in Occupational Therapy from the University of Minnesota and her Master’s Degree in Psychology from Antioch West in 1981.  Returning to Minnesota after working four years at Harbor View Hospital in Washington State as supervisor of the Occupational Therapy Department, she arrived in Minnesota on the birthdate of her future husband.  Something she did not consider a coincidence.  In the summer of 1982 she became a Licensed Psychologist in Minnesota and started her practice.  Claudia was an early adopter of a new, at the time, technique called EMDR which was helpful for resolving issues of trauma and PTSD.  She quickly became an accomplished practitioner using EMDR and along with her caring and nurturing presence her practice was always a busy one.

Claudia was a lover of all things natural.  A walk with her was a constant exploration of the plants beside the trail, the birds in the air, the berries blooming.  A large garden was a constant presence at her home.  The flowers that Claudia and Maren grew were often winners at the Washington County Fair.

Claudia was an accomplished horsewomen.  She acquired her first horse, Rebel, when she was about 10 years old.  She often spoke of riding alone as a young girl for hours retuning home late in the day. It was the beginning of a lifelong passion for horses. The family moved to North Dakota where Claudia continued to ride and give horse riding lessons.  In 1964 she was crowned North Dakota High School Rodeo Queen.

Claudia passed her horse skills, wisdom and passion onto her daughter Maren.  Maren now rides Claudia’s saddle.

Claudia , Jeff, Matt and Maren settled in Stillwater, MN in September of 1992 and there created a home for the family.  It was there where fields were fenced and a small barn built to accommodate the horses. Claudia would often be found down with the horses early in the morning.  She especially loved to go on horse rides along the Gateway Trail with Maren.

When Claudia’s son Matt started mountain bike racing it was Claudia and Maren who made sure to attend every race, often bringing extra sandwiches to hand out to other hungry riders. In three and one-half years of racing Claudia never missed a race of Matts.

Claudia was the anchor of the family, the combined history and memory of the family and the one to whom all turned for guidance.

Claudia’s spirit will be found down around the barn, in her garden and with her flowers so lovingly placed around her house.  Her love and wisdom will guide her family.

In lieu of flowers the family asks that a donation be made to the Minnesota Land Trust.  The family is planning on a celebration of life this summer when it is safe to gather.