Obituary: Bertram Charles Lindemann
Bertram Charles Lindemann, an educator, a member of one of the founding families of Bnai Keshet and a longtime Montclair resident, died on Nov. 24, 2021. He was 80.
Dr. Lindemann was born in Lorain, Ohio, and graduated from Case Western Reserve University in Cleveland. After graduation he met his wife, Meryl (née Amdursky). They moved to Buffalo, New York, where he earned both his M.A. and his Ph.D. at the University of Buffalo.
After completing his degrees, they moved to Montclair, where they lived for more than 50 years, and he began his career in education at Montclair State University.
Dr. Lindemann was a teacher and an administrator in the New Jersey public school system for many years before retiring in 2006. He was an active member of Phi Delta Kappa and served as an officer on the executive board in various capacities throughout his career and into his retirement.
The Lindemanns were one of the founding families of Bnai Keshet in Montclair, and he enjoyed services regularly until declining health prevented him from attending.
Despite living in New Jersey for over 50 years, he remained loyal to the Cleveland sports franchises. He wore his Cleveland hats, T-shirts and sweatshirts with pride.
He diligently sent birthday and anniversary cards to family and friends. It didn’t matter how he knew you or how long ago you had spoken to him, if he knew your birthday or anniversary, it was on his calendar, and you were sure to receive a card from him every single year.
Dr. Lindemann was first and foremost a family man; his only wish for his three daughters was that they be happy and healthy. If there was one word to describe him, it would be kind. He believed in equality for all, he dedicated his life to education, and his unwavering moral compass guided his actions and set an example for his family every day.
He is survived by his devoted wife of 56 years, Meryl; his three daughters, Sue (Rich) Burman, Beth (Steve) Bagley and Amy (Tony) Castillo; seven grandchildren, Matt and Ali Burman, Max, Ryan and Will Bagley, and Andrew and Abby Castillo, and his sister, Nina (Robert) Lisker, of Annapolis, Maryland. He was predeceased by his parents, Albert and Miriam Lindemann.
Arrangements were private.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations in Dr. Lindemann’s memory be made to the Dementia Society of America, dementiasociety.org, and/or Bnai Keshet, bnaikeshet.org.