Carl J. Bergstrom was born in Bock, Minnesota August 20, 1927 to John and Esther Bergstrom. He lost his mother at the age of 8, thus learning the value of family at an early age. Carl left school early to join the service during WWII. He served in the Merchant Marines during WWII, then joined the Army and served in Japan during the occupation. He left the service in 1950, returned to school and earned his GED. He attended Dunwoody Institute of Technology and was certified as an auto mechanic. He moved to Denver and answered an ad for Pitney Bowes, where he started a career that lasted 40 years, moving from service rep to service manager.
He did a lot of travelling in his lifetime and loved the Northwest, so settled in Montana when he retired and built a home on the hill where he could enjoy the wildlife, the mountains, and the night skies. Carl enjoyed hunting, fishing, skiing, canoeing, sailing, and the company of his hunting dogs. He was a loving, caring, and forgiving person who took pride in being a “good Swede.” Even when hurting, he had a smile and a wave of the hand for us. One of his favorite sayings was, “never go back.” He was always looking ahead and planning something new. And he loved to “kid.” We could never tell if he was serious or “just kidding.” The kids said, “You have to watch his eyes.”
Carl is survived by his wife, Elizabeth A. (Betty Anne) Bergstrom, daughters Carla J. Bergstrom, Kathrin Millhorn, Anne L. Bergstrom, sons Daniel J. Bergstrom (Betty) and Thor Bergstrom (Jacoline), and grandchildren Tyler, Hannah, Daniel, and Kyra. He was preceded in death by sisters Viva and Doris, brothers Don, and Jim, and granddaughter, Jayme Parks-Soulis.
Memorial donations may be made to the Jayme Parks-Soulis Memorial Scholarship Fund, the American Cancer Society, or the American Heart Association. Please visit below to offer a condolence to the family or to share a memory of Carl.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
Service Schedule
Services are pending at this time or no services will be held. If available, please see obituary for more information.
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Chuckie Cramer says
Betty Anne, I am so sorry for your loss. The Lord comfort you and keep you at peace during this time. Blessings
Tom and Judy Rolfe says
Betty Anne,
We were real sorry to learn of Carl’s passing. Please know we are thinking of you at this difficult time, you are surely in our thoughts and prayers. Carl was a real gentleman and he’ll certainly be missed.
Patrick Ruder says
Warm memories from childhood of Carl.
Take care of one another.
With sympathy,
Patrick
Beth Campbell says
Betty Ann,
I am very sorry for your loss. You are in our thoughts and prayers.
Beth
Robin Campbell says
Carla,
So sorry to hear of your loss. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family.
Patricia Mackenzie says
My sincerest condolences to Carla and family on your loss. ‘Grief is the price we pay for love’.
Love and Light to all of you.
Patricia Mackenzie
Janet Nick says
Betty
I was so sorry to hear of Carl’s passing. You and your family have our deepest sympathy!
Monte and Janet Nick
Stephanie Kindt says
Betty, Lynn, and Kathy
I’m soooo sorry to hear about Carl. He was such a gem to be around, I really enjoyed him coming in the office and joking around. If you need anything please let me know, I’m here for you all, even if it is just to go for a cup of coffee to clear your heads. Love you guys. Cherish the memories that is where you will find peace and comfort.
Love you
Stephanie and Paul Kindt
Vicki Anderson says
My condolences to Carla and family. I’m glad I had a chance to dine with Carl and family when in Missouri for Jayme’s memorial. RIP, Carl.