Dr. Brion A. Bertsch, 70, of Matthews, Indiana, passed away on Friday, July 10, 2026, at IU Health Methodist Hospital in Indianapolis. He was born on February 7, 1956, in New Castle, Indiana, to James S. Bertsch and Roberta (Henderson) Bertsch Lemley. Brion was raised in Cambridge City, a community that remained close to his heart throughout his life. With family ties reaching back generations, Cambridge City provided the foundation upon which his character was built. Through the example of family members active in local business, community affairs, and church life, he gained a deep appreciation for the small town that helped raised him, providing qualities that became hallmarks of his life and career.

Brion married the love of his life, Joni Pearson, on June 9, 1984, at Oak Chapel Church. Together they built a growing family and shared more than forty-two years of marriage, building a life centered around love, rooted in faith, and guided by a deep sense of purpose in serving others.

A dedicated lifelong learner, Brion graduated from Lincoln High School in 1974. He earned his undergraduate degree from Butler University in 1978 before graduating from Indiana University School of Medicine in 1982. Following medical school, he completed residency training at Ball Memorial Hospital in Family Practice and later a second residency in Psychiatry at IU School of Medicine. Throughout his distinguished medical career, Brion became triple board certified in Family Medicine, Psychiatry, and Addiction Medicine and spent a year in psychiatric research.

Brion's commitment to caring for others led him through a remarkable career in medicine. He served as Associate Program Director of Ball Memorial Family Practice and established his own private family medicine practice in Muncie. He also served briefly as a psychiatrist in Muncie and at the VA Medical Center before dedicating years of service in correctional medicine as a psychiatrist at Wabash Valley Correctional Facility. The final chapter of his professional career was spent helping individuals find hope and healing through addiction psychiatry at Recovery Centers of America in Indianapolis.

Known for his brilliant mind and compassionate heart, Brion was deeply devoted to both his patients and staff while taking great pride in helping others. Outside of medicine, he found joy in a wide variety of interests. He was an avid reader who amassed thousands of books throughout his lifetime and possessed an insatiable curiosity about the world. He loved music, especially the artists and sounds of the 1960s and 1970s, with The Band, Bob Dylan, and John Prine among his favorites. Brion was a gifted storyteller, an enthusiastic movie lover, a writer, an artist, and a dreamer. He enjoyed birdwatching, particularly during this last year, and often dreamed of adventures to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Alaska, and on fly-fishing excursions.

Above all, Brion cherished his family. He especially loved his children and found immeasurable joy in his role as a grandfather. A deeply spiritual man, he possessed a strong faith and spent countless hours learning about God, religion, and the deeper meaning of life.

Survivors include his wife, Joni Bertsch of Matthews; son, Sam (Paige) Bertsch of Shelbyville, Indiana, and their children, Finley, Violet, and Walter; son, Tim (Dr. Brittany) Bertsch of West Lafayette, Indiana, and their children, Teagan and Tatum; daughter, Olivia (Ryan) Snyder of Indianapolis, Indiana; son, Joe (Laney) Bertsch of Bloomington, Indiana; brother, Bob (Margie) Bertsch of Cambridge City, Indiana; brother, Steve (Patty) Lemley of St. Louis; parents-in-law, Harry and Betty Jo Pearson of Hartford City, Indiana; and several cousins, nieces, and nephews.

He was preceded in death by his mother, Roberta (Henderson) Lemley; stepfather, Stephen B. Lemley; father, James S. Bertsch; and stepmother, Betty L. Bertsch.

Family and friends may gather to share and remember from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. on Friday, July 24, 2026, at Oak Chapel Church, 1335 Jadden Road, Marion, Indiana 46953. Additional visitation will be held from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Saturday, July 25, 2026, at the church. A service to celebrate Brion's life will follow at 2:00 p.m. with Chaplain Michael Osborn officiating and Pastors Gary Newton and Josh McMullen assisting.

Inurnment will take place at a later date in Matthews Cemetery in Matthews, Indiana.

Memorial contributions may be made to Cambridge City Public Library, 600 West Main Street, Cambridge City, Indiana 47327, honoring Brion's lifelong love of books, learning, and intellectual curiosity.

Arrangements have been entrusted to Walker & Glancy Funeral Home in Montpelier, Indiana.