Gerald 'Jerry' Bergstrom

Gerald Bergstrom, 72, of Nisswa MN, formerly Lisbon, ND passed away peacefully on April 11^th, 2024, in the comfort of his home surrounded by his loving family.

Gerald (Jerry) was born on September 8, 1951, to Hilmer and Shirley (Gunnafson) Bergstrom in Breckenridge, Minnesota. He was raised on a farm south of Cayuga, ND.  He attended school in Cayuga, graduating from Sargent Central in Forman, ND with the class of 1969. Jerry married Deborah Hove on May 12,1973 in Sisseton, SD. They moved to Lisbon, ND, where they raised their two daughters and resided for 41 years before retiring to Nisswa, MN.

After high school he did custom combining, worked as a welder for United Power and in 1972 started his 41-year career as a welder at Melroe Bobcat company in Gwinner, ND.  While working at Bobcat he was involved with the United Steelworkers Local 560 Union and made many good friends over the years.  

Jerry was lovingly known as Big Jer, Bergie and his favorite title of all Papa. He loved hanging out with his friends and family.  He was most proud of his childrens accomplishments and making memories with his grandkids. Over the years Jerry enjoyed a variety of activities that included; hunting, fishing, car racing and trap shooting. Jerry was an active member of the property committees at both Trinity Lutheran and Lord of Life Lutheran Churches. He was a proud volunteer fireman for 14 years on the Lisbon Fire Department. Whether he was at the elevator in Lisbon, ND, the Barn in Brainerd, MN, or around a campfire, Jerry loved being a part of good conversations with his family and friends.  

Left to mourn his passing are his wife Deb, daughters Jill Bergstrom (LaMoure, ND) and Jennifer (Trent) Grams (Nisswa, MN). Five grandchildren: Samantha McKay, Hailey Waloch (Seth Moderow), Everett, Ava and Reve Grams. Two great grandchildren Layne and Brynlee McKay. Brother-in-law Calvin (Vivian) Hove and sister-in-law Karen Sebek. Brothers Harvey (Judy) and Leslie Bergstrom. Many nieces and nephews and dear friends.  

Jerry was preceded in death by his infant daughter, Sarah, his parents Hilmer and Shirley, an infant sister, brother Harley, his father and mother-in-law, Kenneth and Agnes Hove and brother-in-law Leo Sebek.

A memorial Service will be held on Monday April 15, 2024 at 11:00am at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter, MN. There will be a visitation held on Sunday April 14, 2024 from 5:00pm – 7:00pm at Lord of Life Lutheran Church in Baxter, MN, and also one hour prior to the service at the church on April 15, 2024. Burial will be at the Oakwood Cemetery in Lisbon, ND at a later date. 

Special thanks to the Lord of Life Lutheran church family, in particular the Thursday and Friday men’s fellowship groups that provided all their love and support. A special thank you to the caregivers at St. Croix Hospice. Memorials requested to go to the Lord of Life Lutheran church in Baxter, MN or the Lisbon Fire Department in Lisbon, ND. 

Arrangements are entrusted to Brenny Family Funeral Chapel, Baxter.