Robert "Bob" Bergeson
1947-04-30 2019-07-09
Robert S. Bergeson (Bob) passed away at home from a suspected heart attack. He was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on April 30, 1947 and died on July 9, 2019. His mother Ruth Herrmeyer Bergeson and father Emory Kirkhus Bergeson preceded him in death. Bob attended St. Louis Park High School in Minnesota and graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Wisconsin Green Bay.
Bob married his high school sweetheart, Winky in 1968. They resided in Two Rivers, Wisconsin for the first 3 years of their marriage while Bob served in the United States Coast Guard.
Bob was known for his business acumen and “daring to do things differently” throughout his successful sales and marketing career. Ethics and truly caring about his customers led Bob to achieving unprecedented results for his companies: including Eastman Kodak, MCI and TelAuthority.
Bob was extremely athletic and played football, baseball, basketball and golf; but most of all he found pleasure in his grandchildren’s sports.
Bob loved being outdoors; hunting, fishing and boating. He was an avid archer who enjoyed developing the love of the sport in others. He was a Master Instructor for the state of Kansas who originated and taught the Hunter Education program at JCCC. Bob was also a certified Pope & Young antler scorer. He was a true ambassador for ethical, responsible, hunting, respect for wildlife and outdoor education. It was especially important to Bob that he share his knowledge and love for the outdoors with his family. He will leave behind a legacy of continued annual Canadian family fishing trips and South Dakota pheasant hunts.
Bob was an active member of the Overland Park Rotary Club and the recipient of the Paul Harris Award. He was always the first to volunteer and lend a helping hand.
Bob showed unconditional love for his family and friends. He guided his children with honest wisdom, support and advice. He is survived by his wife, Winky Bergeson, children; Kimberly Bergeson Oelschlager, Todd Bergeson and Justin Bergeson, son-in-law Ronnie Oelschlager, daughters-in-law Tori Bergeson and Lisa Bergeson, grandchildren; Alexis & Tripp Oelschlager, Brianna & Nikki Bergeson, Fisher, Boden and Bristol Bergeson, Bob’s brother Bill Bergeson, his wife Kris, their children Erin (Corby) Brooks & Ryan (Melissa) Bergeson, great nieces & nephews Carter & Peachy Brooks, Ty & Sophie Bergeson and Bob’s brother Jim Bergeson, his wife Linda, their children Travis (Nichole) Bergeson, Derek (Mallory) Bergeson, Jenna Bergeson and great nieces Kira & Lacey Bergeson.
Bob was beloved by his family and a genuine friend who will be truly missed.
I was devastated to read of Bob's death just now. Bob and I grew up in the same neighborhood. We attended Kindergarten through our Senior year together. We played baseball together in the Summer, had acorn fights with fellow class of '65 classmates, Kathy Engdahl and Bill Dahl. Bob and Bill's snow forts were legendary on West 25th Street! Bob and I got married at the Sophomore Sadie Hawkins Dance, but it was beautiful Winky who stole his heart so long ago. Shortly before Bill Dahl passed away, he made me promise that I would contact Bob to let him know of his death. I contacted Bob and we shared stories of our childhood. We kept in touch with Christmas greetings after that every year. It was so wonderful to reconnect with Bob and Winky after so many years. God Bless you and keep you Bob. Thank you for being such a great friend so many, many years ago. I will never forget you. You will be in my heart forever.
tribute by Linda Anderson