Chad M. Bertrand

Chad Matthew Bertrand, 51, of Belvidere, passed away on December 13, 2025. He was born on November 28, 1974, in Rockford, the son of Gary and Diane (Carlson) Bertrand. He graduated with his Master’s of Business Administration from Northern Illinois University. He married Amy Cedarleaf on March 10, 2001. Proud of the heritage of entrepreneurship and small business ownership, Chad began working for his father at Rockford Industrial Welding Supply and purchased Chem Processing, Inc in 2014, continuing a legacy begun by Curt and Marc Cedarleaf.

Fiercely loyal and exceedingly generous to those he loved, Chad treasured his circle of friends and family and cherished simply spending time together, whether it was in the golf simulator or around a campfire. Chad’s playful spirit and competitive nature could turn the most mundane event into a memory, the stories of which will live on to become tall tales and legends. His greatest joy and proudest accomplishment was building a family with the love of his whole life, Amy. His devotion to and love for his boys was immeasurable; he counted being their father as one of his most precious gifts.

Always curious, Chad loved to engage friends and strangers (who would soon be friends) alike in intense conversation. Committed to lifelong learning, Chad was fascinated with history and gleaning wisdom from the military leadership of great men from Alexander the Great to Winston Churchill. A lover of copious words, it was rare to find Chad without an audiobook in his airpod, a paperback on his nightstand, or a crossword puzzle in his backpack.

He is survived by his wife, Amy; sons, Ethan Anderson, Foster Bertrand, and Garrett Bertrand; father, Gary Bertrand; sister, Heather (Mark) Bergstedt; numerous friends; and many nieces and nephews. He is predeceased by his mother, Diane Bertrand.

A Funeral Service will be held on Tuesday, December 23, 2025, at Redemption City Church, 5500 Newburg Road, Rockford, IL 61108, at 2:00 p.m. A night before visitation will be on Monday, December 22, 2025, from 4:00 – 6:00 p.m. at Fitzgerald Funeral Home, 1860 S. Mulford Road, Rockford, IL 61108. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Rockford Lutheran Schools or Emmaus Academy. Please share memories and condolences online at www.fitzgeraldfh.com.