Elaine Bergman

Elaine Bergman

Elaine Bergman, 82, of McIntosh, MN died peacefully on Friday, March 4, 2011 after spending an evening of love and laughter with her children and grandchildren, at Pioneer Memorial Care Center in Erskine, MN.

Elaine Grace Lien was born December 24, 1928 in Madison, MN to Robert and Juella (Lund) Lien, who lived and farmed near Louisburg, MN. She graduated from Appleton High School in 1946, and received the “I Dare You” award presented to two senior students “who would go places in the world.”

Elaine received her degree as a Registered Nurse from the Swedish School of Nursing, Minneapolis, in 1949. Her adventurous spirit was evident early on when she and her fellow classmates drove west to practice nursing at the Naval Hospital in San Diego, California.

It was there that she met George Bergman, a Navy man, from Leonard, MN who was serving his country in the Korean Conflict.

George and Elaine married on September 5, 1953 at Minnesota Valley Lutheran Church of Louisburg, MN. They made their home north of McIntosh, MN in Lessor Township where they raised their five children and operated a dairy farm. In October of 1973 George passed away, leaving Elaine to raise the children. The family worked together to continue the dairy farm, while Elaine worked as director of nursing at Pioneer Memorial Home in Erskine. She was truly committed to her career in providing the exemplary geriatric care that Pioneer is known for. It was not unusual for her to “hitch a ride“ with the snow plow driver to make sure she was able to tend to her residents, and she was extremely proud of the staff and volunteers at Pioneer. She continued that spirit of volunteerism at Pioneer, and with local civic and community groups.

Elaine was an active member of the community of McIntosh as a member of Our Saviors Lutheran Church, the VFW Auxiliary, and the local AFS chapter, among others. She was an active booster of youth activities including sports, culture and academics. She enjoyed many bus trips across the country with her local Homemakers group, and there was rarely a local sports game she would miss.

Spending time with her grandchildren, enjoying the company of great friends, solving the daily crossword, watching Jeopardy, staying up-to-date on current events, traveling with family and friends, and enjoying music and movies helped shape Elaine into a great conversationalist. She never ceased to amaze her grandchildren with her ability to talk about anything from sports, entertainment and travel; to culture, politics and art.

Elaine’s survivors include her children, Karen (Chuck) Friedley of Mentor, MN; Ron (Melissa Goss) Bergman of Mentor, MN; Julie (Ed) Kees, of Eagan, MN; Kris (Randy) Versdahl of Red Lake Falls, MN; and Gayle (Coby) Burslie of St. Michael, MN. She is also survived by 12 grandchildren: Mike Friedley, Doug Friedley, Adam (Courtney) Bergman, Amy (Tom) Deacon, Ashley Bergman, Noah Goss, Ryan Kees, Ross Kees, Kari (Danny) Gagner, Erica (Alan) Sundby, Taylor Burslie, Nick Burslie; three great-grandchildren: Jackson and Piper Bergman, and Drew Gagner; and a sister, Delores (Glenn) Rheingans. She also leaves behind many great friends and relatives.

Elaine is preceded in death by husband George (1973); grandson, Brandon Kees (1984); parents Robert and Juella; and sister Janice (1988).

Funeral service will be held on Thursday, March 10th at 2:00 p.m. at Our Savior’s Lutheran church in McIntosh with Rev. Ryan Rasmussen officiating.

Visitation will be on Wednesday from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. with a prayer service at 7:00 p.m. at Pioneer Memorial Care Center in Erskine, and there will also be reviewal for one hour before the funeral at the church.

Interment will be at New Sweden Cemetery, rural McIntosh, and the Carlin-Hoialmen Funeral Home serving McIntosh is in charge of the arrangements.

Condolences may be sent at www.carlinhoialmen.com.

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