Charles Bergstrom

Charles William Bergstrom, son of Robert and Audrey (Fraser) Bergstrom, was born February 4, 1953 in Alexandria, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed at Trinity Lutheran Church in Benson, Minnesota. Charlie began his schooling in Kerkhoven, Minnesota, through the fourth grade. His family then moved to Benson, where he attended and graduated from Benson High School. Following his schooling, Charlie worked on a turkey farm in Willmar, Minnesota. In 1971, he enlisted in the United States National Guard and United States Army. He was stationed at Fort Riley, Kansas and Kirsch Goens, Germany. On April 21, 1973, he was united in marriage to Rebecca Strand at Kongsvinger Lutheran Church, rural Donnelly by Reverend Clayton Engen. Following his discharge in 1977, Charlie moved back to Donnelly and began working for Elmer’s Distributing for ten years. When Charlie began having health problems, he enrolled in the Dietary Manager and Computer Programming Classes at Alexandria Technical School in Alexandria, Minnesota. Following his schooling, he went to work in Brooklyn Park for a short while, until he grew tired of the commute. He then went to work for the City of Donnelly as the water, sewer maintenance person for a couple years, before he had a stroke and was forced to retire. Charlie and Becky have continued to live in Donnelly since that time.

Charlie was a member of Kongsvinger Lutheran Church in Donnelly, where he served as an usher and he also belonged to the Donnelly Fire and Rescue. He enjoyed camping and spending time at the lake with his family and friends.

Charlie died on Monday, November 17, 2008 at his home in Donnelly, Minnesota, having lived to reach the age of 55 years.

He is survived by his wife: Becky Bergstrom of Donnelly; four daughters: Nicole (Jeremyah) Wittern of Eagan, Jessica Bergstrom of Donnelly, Andrea Bergstrom of Donnelly and Samantha Bergstrom of Hastings; one granddaughter: Scarlet Bergstrom-McKee; one sister: Deborah Bergstrom of Dickenson, ND and Richard Bergstrom of Seattle, WA. He was preceded in death by one granddaughter: Briar Rose Bergstrom-McKee and his parents.

Serving as pallbearers for the service are: David Haynes, Burdell Strand, David Wegge, Kenny Frank, Conrad Jackson and Jeremyah Wittern. Peggy Wilke will serve as organist for the service with Gregory Sperr serving as soloist. Pedersen Funeral Home in Morris is in charge of the arrangements.