Cole Dorus Bertolotto was born December 2, 1998, in Rapid City, SD, to Jason and Connie Jo (Maier) Bertolotto. He grew up with his parents in Piedmont, SD. He attended grade school in Piedmont, Junior High at Sturgis Middle School, and high school at Sturgis Brown. Cole proudly graduated with the Class of 2017.

From a very young age, Cole had an admirable work ethic and had great anticipation for becoming old enough to drive and be legally employed. His first summer job was doing yard work for Dan and Jonni Larson in Sturgis. The following year he began working the summer months, and weekends during the school year, in the rental department for Harley Davidson in Rapid City. Cole later worked at Jack's Campers in Piedmont doing maintenance work and helping move hundreds of campers to campgrounds for the 75th Annual Sturgis Motorcycle Rally. Most recently, Cole worked at Sturgis Motor Sports as a mechanic. Concurrently, he found a love for welding at a trade class in high school. In July 2017, Cole began taking night welding classes at Loenbro Technical Institute in Rapid City. A testament to his work ethic and passion, he would begin his days at 8:30 AM working until 4:00 PM at Sturgis Motor Sports before attending night welding class from 5:00 PM to 10:00 PM.

Throughout it all, Cole appreciated the camaraderie he held with his co-workers and the ability to learn and master a new skill with every project and task. His natural mechanical aptitude and willingness to take on any task made him a valued employee.

Cole was a kind, polite, warm-hearted and good-natured young man. For many, he was the go-to person when they needed someone to "just listen." He deeply cared for his friends and family and held them all in high esteem. Cole was at ease in conversation with any person - young or old. At an early age, Cole learned the value of a dollar and received self-satisfaction from working hard to earn the things he wanted.

Cole's many hobbies included hiking, camping, mountain biking, trail riding on dirt bike and riding his Yamaha R6 sport bike throughout the Hills and on the dragstrip. An avid car enthusiast, Cole derived great pleasure from seeing and identifying all makes and models of vehicles.

Cole had a strong faith in the Lord as he memorized Bible verses and had one engraved on his Leatherman that he carried every day. He was a regular member of the Countryside Church in Spearfish, SD.

Cole, 18, Piedmont, died Saturday, August 12, 2017.

Cole is survived by his parents, Jason and Connie Jo (Maier) Bertolotto of Piedmont; grandparents, Rich and Laura Maier of Mobridge, SD, Eleanor and Gary Merkel of Watauga, SD, and Dave Bertolotto of Sturgis, SD; great-grandparents, June Maier of Lemmon, SD and Lawrence and Mary Hertel of Piedmont, SD; also by many aunts, uncles, cousins, and dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his great-grandparents, Dorus and Margaret Mollman and great-grandfather, Albert Maier.

Visitation will be Tuesday, August 15, from 5:00 to 7:00 PM, with a prayer service at 7:00pm, at Kinkade Funeral Chapel in Sturgis.

Funeral services will be held Wednesday, August 16, 2017, at 10:30 AM at Countryside Church in Spearfish. Burial will follow at the Piedmont Cemetery.