Kenneth John Bergum, 92, passed on November 7, 2017 at St. Peter’s Hospital in Helena, Montana. He was born to Palma (Peters) and Theodore Bergum on July 1, 1925 at the family home in Bowman, North Dakota.
He was the eldest of four brothers, Jerry, Jack and Boyd. The family moved several times following Ted’s teaching career, finally settling in Winifred in 1937 when his father became the Superintendent of Schools.
As a teenager, Ken was active in band, basketball and football. He played in a band at country dances in the area. During the summers, he would leave the ranch and go to Miles City to work as a wool packer. He sent his earnings home
Ken and his dad purchased a ranch in 1943 where he worked for a year before joining the Army in August of 1944. He served in the Philippines where he played the trombone in the 24th Infantry Band. At the close of WWII Ken returned home and married his high school sweetheart, Beatrice Lechner, on December 1, 1946.
After one year on the ranch, they decided ranching and farming was not for them. Thanks to the GI Bill, Ken was able to go to college, first in Havre and then in Missoula, where he graduated from Pharmacy School. While in Missoula, his first son, Jim, was born. Their second son, Ron, was born in Butte, while Ken was working his first pharmacy job. Following moves to Bozeman and Havre, the family settled in Shelby, where their third son, John, was born. Ken was managing the Shelby Drug Co.
In 1963 the family moved to Helena, where Ken managed the Western Drug store. After 10 years Ken and Bea purchased the business and renamed it Bergum Drug, eventually adding a second location. In the early 1990’s Ken and Bea sold the business to their sons, Ron and Jim. In retirement they traveled, played golf and enjoyed their condo in Big Sky.
The community was important to Ken. He was involved in the Chamber of Commerce, Kiwanis, SCORE, and the Shriners where he sang with the Chanters.
The family was saddened by the loss of Bea in April 2002. Their oldest son, Jim followed in December 2009. The sadness brought on by these great losses was softened by the gifts they left: children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren and a great-great grandchild.
In 2003, Ken’s life was brightened by his marriage to Eileen Hudson. For the next six years they split their time between Arizona and Montana. They were blessed by their expanded families. Eileen passed in 2009.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents Palma and Ted, brother Jerry, wives Bea and Eileen and son Jim.
He is survived by brothers Jack and Boyd, sons Ron (Connie) Bergum of Helena, Montana, and John (Mary) Bergum of Spokane, Washington. His grandchildren Jenni (Jon) Swartz, Melanie (John) Dayton, Jake (Michelle) and Kasey, William (Janel), Elizabeth, Sophie, Alan and Carl. Great-grandchildren include Kenneth, Tyler (Neenah), Seth Dayton; JT and Mia Swartz; Quay Smith-Bennett, Kaden Trettin and Bailey Bergum, and great-great grandson Kiercy Dayton. He is also survived by his good friend and companion Pat Johnson.
Special thanks go to Home Instead (Robin & Callie), Touchmark and St. Peter’s.
A memorial service celebrating Ken’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 13th at Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church, 3580 N. Benton Avenue. Military honors will be displayed immediately following the service on the south side of the church. A reception will follow the honors in the fellowship hall of the church. Graveside services will be held at a later date at the Winifred Cemetery in Winifred, Montana. In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorials be sent to the Shriner’s Children’s Hospital, 911 W. 5th Ave, Spokane, WA 99204.
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday November 13, 2017
Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Military Honors
Following the Memorial Service
Monday November 13, 2017
South Side of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Military Honors
Monday November 13, 2017
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Service Schedule
Memorial Service
11:00 a.m.
Monday November 13, 2017
Our Redeemer’s Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave.
Helena, Montana 59602
Military Honors
Following the Memorial Service
Monday November 13, 2017
South Side of Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Ave
Helena, Montana 59602
Reception
Following the Military Honors
Monday November 13, 2017
Our Redeemer's Lutheran Church
3580 N. Benton Avenue
Helena, Montana 59602
Tom Naegele says
Ron & Connie,
So sorry for your loss and saying Prayers of Support to your Family. Ken left a wonderful legacy as a Father and community leader. God Bless him as we Celebrate this fine man.
Peace & Traquility
Leona williams says
Condolences to the family of Ken Bergum, a man who came from a small community to Helena and made a big difference.
Tom Juhl says
Ron sorry to hear of the passing of your Father, my condolences to you and Connie…..
Shannon Sexauer says
Ron and Connie,
I was so sorry to hear about Ken. He was such a sweet man and lived such an incredible life. My thoughts and prayers are with you both.
Tony & Ruth Ann Marchi says
Our deepest sympathies go out to you and your family. May God give you the comfort and peace that you seek and may the soul of Ken brighten Heaven as he brightened the lives of so many. He will live on in the hearts of all who knew him. He was a good man!
Tom and Kathy Miller says
Many prayers to the Bergum family at this sad time with the passing of Ken. We sang together with the Algeria Chanters for many years and Ken was the lead baritone with his resonant rich voice keeping some of us monotones on pitch! We sat together at Kiwanis meetings where we enjoyed his sense of humor and deep dedication to the Helena community. Always humble and always a gentleman. Helena is a better place because of people like Ken Bergum. God Bless hi and his wonderful family. Kathy and Tom Miller
Anita Moon says
Quite possibly the kindest and most gentle man I have ever met. The world needs more Ken’s in it.
Terry Barber says
Sorry to hear about Ken. He was my boss at my first job out of pharmacy school with Western Drug. We only worked together three years, but served at the same time for the Montana Pharmacy Assn. for several years. Enjoyed his sense of humor and kind, gentle demeanor. Many fond memories of the Bergum family.
Vanessa Tolson says
Thoughts & prayers to the entire Bergam family. Ken was a great man. My son Jeff worked for Ken & Bea at the store & thought highly of them.
Don and Nadine Copley says
We recall many good times with Ken thru our association in Chanters. He was truly one of the GOOD GUYS !!!
Our condolences to all of you.
Charlene Deutscher says
I worked for a company that supplied the Bergum store in Helena which gave me the opportunity to get to know Mr. Bergum. He was a wonderful person to work with. Prayers and condolences to your family.
Margaret Woo says
Ken was a man with a huge heart, a magnificent voice, which I heard when he sang a tribute to his good friend Roy Hudson, and a zest for life. He had the most wonderful smile. My condolences to all the Bergums.
Frank and Karen (Koepp) Rowan says
Ron and Connie,
Sending you our sincere condolences. Ken left such a legacy to the Helena community. Such a kind, soft spoken man with a huge heart. Your entire family is in our thoughts.
Julie (Adams) Smith says
Ron & Connie,
I am so sorry to hear about Ken. He truly was a great man. My thoughts are with you and family.
Becky Kosena says
Many thoughts and prayers for the family members of Ken. Such a noble man…he will be remembered forever by many.
Jo and Paul Bryson says
John,
We are so sorry for the loss of your Dad.? We will always remember him and Bergum Drug. Lifting you and your family up in prayers. ????
Jo (Gilreath) and Paul Bryson
Debbie Reber Carter says
Dear Ron and Connie,
I am so sorry for your loss. I remember your dad Ron, from all the trips to the drug store. He was always helpful and kind. Blessings for the whole family.
Valerie Raisch says
Ron, I did the prescription deliveries for Bergum Drug
in the 80’s and enjoyed working for your family pharmacy.
Sorry to read about the passing of your Father…he sounded
like a wonderful man. Blessings and sympathy to all.
Sharon Holmquist Mercado says
So sorry for your loss of Ken. He was always so happy and pleasant when we were at the pharmacy in Helena. He was so kind. Have always remembered him. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time.