Michael F. Bergan

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Michael Francis Bergan, 88, of Elkader, passed away on Sunday, Oct. 20, 2024, at home in his favorite chair in the arms of his devoted wife and surrounded by his loving family. He was born on Feb. 27, 1936, near Fayette, the son of Thomas and Nelly (Kelly) Bergan. He was raised and educated in the Elkader area and graduated with the class of 1954 from St. Joseph’s Catholic School, Elkader. He enlisted in the United States Army after being home on the farm for three years. Mike served in the Army and the Army National Guard.  

 

On Sept. 15, 1959, Mike married “the girl that caught his eye at Lakeside Ballroom,” Ruth Klosterman and spent the next 65 years together with his best friend. They began their life together in the Elkader area on a farm that overlooked the entire valley.  Mike and Ruth raised their five children there and enjoyed being an active part of that neighborhood where everyone worked together. They belonged to two neighborhood card clubs that spanned over 40 years. Following the disbanding of these card clubs, Mike and Ruth fulfilled their euchre addiction by playing cards at Johnson’s twice weekly and seeking other players on the “off nights.”   

 

Mike and Ruth enjoyed traveling with their siblings, where Branson was a favorite go to spot. Annual vacations with all kids and grandkids were a favorite of everyone and many memories were made on them. Last year, Mike and Ruth and all five kids and spouses traveled together to Branson and enjoyed a Daniel O’Donnell show and lots of laughs together.  

 

Mike had an amazing talent for woodworking and spent countless hours in his shop turning out beautiful items for his family. Among his creations were cedar chests for each grandchild, one of a kind rocking horses for each family when the great-grandchildren started arriving and several Christmas gifts stating “to my favorite daughter” on the back of every one.  

 

Mike was a faithful member of the St. Joseph’s Catholic Church and the Knights of Columbus.   

 

Mike is survived by his devoted wife of 65 years, Ruth Bergan of Elkader; five children, Debbie (Tim) West of Strawberry Point and Dianne (Richard) Fette, Dennis (Lori) Bergan, David (Julie) Bergan and Brenda (Greg) Hach, all of Elkader; 16 grandchildren, Darren (Danielle) West, Brian (Anne) West, Nathan (Amber) West, Michael Fette, Ellie (Kyle) Wynthein, Codey Fette, Andrew (Meghan) Bergan, Kristin (Matt) Bolsinger, Anthony (Abby) Bergan, Heidi Wemark, James (Missy) Bergan, Jason (Sarah) Bergan, Rachael (Cody) Hach, Erica (Kody) Bellach, Brittany Hach and Brandon (Rachel) Hach; 24 great-grandchildren; brother, Bernard Bergan of Elkader; brother-in-law, Dale Sargent of Cedar Rapids; sister-in-law, Ruth Klosterman, Edgewood; several nieces, nephews and cousins.  

 

Mike was preceded in death by his parents; grandson Adam Hach; sisters Patricia (Mike) Roach and Catherine (Daryl) Thornton; brother Joe (Marilyn) Bergan; sisters-in-law Maureen Bergan, Eileen Sargent and Janice (Jim) Lammers; brothers-in-law Gary Klosterman and Lary Klosterman; nephews Michael Roach Jr., Steve Bergan and Brad Bergan.  

 

Mass of Christian Burial was held on Oct. 25, 2024 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Elkader, with Rev. John Haugen as the celebrant. Visitation was before mass time at the church.

 

A private family burial with military rites will take place at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Elkader.

 

Leonard-Grau Funeral Home and Cremation Service in Elkader is assisting the family with services.

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