Memorial Service for Rev. Imre Bertalan

A memorial service was held for the Reverend Dr. Imre Bertalan on September 6th, at the chapel of the Wesley Theological Seminary in Washington.  Members of his family, members of his church, leaders of the Hungarian American Reformed Church, representatives of Hungarian American organizations, friends and colleagues gathered to say good-by to a prominent churchman, an important, respected Hungarian American leader.

It was a stormy, blustery Saturday morning, providing a dramatic backdrop to the eulogies offered to a unique Hungarian leader.   His long and rich life, and his many and varied accomplishments were lauded by his former students, Rev. Csaba Krasznai and Rev. Csaba Osvath.  Bishop Sandor Szabo and Bishop Koloman Ludwig preached and reminisced about a colleague and friend.  Three of his former students returned to Hungary and are serving the church at home, their remembrances were read by Bertalan’s students in this country:  the Reverends Osvath, Krasznai es Laszlo Petro. 

While the memorial service focused on Rev. Bertalan’s contributions as a minister, he was also remembered as a leader in Hungarian American public life.  Representatives of the American Hungarian Federation, the Hungarian American Coalition, the Hungarian Reformed Federation, and others participated in the memorial service.  The Federation’s co-president, Ferenc Koszorus, Jr., offered eulogies, focusing on Dr. Bertalan’s role as respected figure in Hungarian American public life, and on his accomplishments and legacies.

Dr. Bertalan’s son, Imre Jr., and his granddaughter Sara spoke, reminiscing about the father and grandfather.  Dr. Bertalan raised 3 children and 9 grandchildren, but beyond his immediate family, he is mourned by thousands in his former churches, in Washington, in New Jersey, in New York, in Hungarian-America, and in Hungary. 

May his rich legacy continue in the future!

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