Richard Jon Bergmann, 73, of Eagle, WI returned to the arms of his Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on Sunday, March 29, 2020 at AngelsGrace Hospice, following a lengthy battle with multiple cancers. He passed peacefully, surrounded by his loving family.
Dick was born on September 30, 1946, the son of Melvin and Lucille (Schwensow) Bergmann. After graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Air Force and faithfully served his country in the Vietnam War. Following his return from service, Dick met and married the love of his life, Geraldine Mary Anglim on August 1, 1970 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Portage, WI. God blessed Dick and Gerry’s union with a loving daughter, Jennifer Ann.
Following his service in Vietnam, he had a 25-year career in the United States Air Force and the Wisconsin Air National Guard, eventually retiring at the rank of Major. Dick also graduated from Cardinal Stritch College and worked for the U.S. Defense Logistics Agency as an Industrial Specialist.
He was a man of great faith and a very active parishioner at St. Theresa’s Catholic Church in Eagle for many years, belonging to the Knights of Columbus. He was a steadfast patriot and loved his country greatly. He shared this love of country with others as an active member of American Legion Post 304 of Palmyra, WI. One of his favorite volunteer activities was visiting Eagle Elementary School and talking with grade schoolers about the meaning and symbolism of the American Flag.
His interest in aviation led him to volunteer as an instructor at the E.A.A. fly-in held yearly in Oshkosh. Dick’s love of his German heritage was demonstrated by 10-years of volunteering at GermanFest in Milwaukee.
Dick had a boundless and lifelong love for the outdoors. Whether it was meticulous planning and execution of yardwork, catch and release fishing or canoeing and boating, he thrived at being outside in the beauty of God’s creation. His loving family remembers his quiet strength, determination to do the right thing, his bravery, toughness and tender heart. Dick was selfless; putting other’s needs in front of his own, even in his last days. His attitude was one of service; to his country, his ailing parents, beloved Aunt Dorothy and most of all to his family. He was a loving husband, patient father and proud grandfather and he will be dearly missed by all those he leaves behind.
He is survived by: his loving wife of 50 years who was also his devoted caregiver throughout his 30-year battle with cancer, Geraldine (Gerry) Bergmann; his daughter, Jennifer (Evan) Guyette of Loganville, GA; his grandson, Lukas Richard Guyette; his sister, Claudia (Ken) Tibbetts of Princeton, WI; and his cousins, Sherry (Dennis) Leitner of Phelps, WI, Steve Felde of Milwaukee, WI and Pat Felde of Milwaukee, WI. He is also survived by a number of other beloved relatives and dear friends.
Dick is preceded in death by his parents.
The family would like to extend special, heartfelt thanks to all of the doctors and medical staff who have cared for Dick during his long battle with various cancers. A special note of appreciation for Dr. Raza and his entire team at Pro Health Care Oncology. Special thanks also to Dr. Markus and the team at Pro Health Care Wound Care and Dr. Cooke and her entire Palliative Care team.
The family would like to express their sincere gratitude to each and every member of the staff of AngelsGrace Hospice for the exceptional, thorough and loving care they provided Dick in his final days. A final word of thanks to the exceptional team at Gibson Family Funeral Home for their prompt attention, professionalism and loving care of Dick as well as the comfort they provided for our family during this difficult time.
In lieu of flowers, those wishing to express sympathy may make a donation in Dick’s honor to AngelsGrace Hospice or ProHealth Care Oncology Center.
A private Memorial Mass will be held in Dick’s honor at St. Theresa Catholic Church in Eagle, WI with Fr. Loyola Amalraj presiding. Dick will be laid to rest, with full military honors, in the Southeastern Wisconsin Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Union Grove, WI at a later date.
Gibson Family Funeral Homes of Eagle & Palmyra, WI is serving the family. To place an online condolence please visit gibsonfuneral.com.
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