Denis Bergquist

Denis was born on May 26, 1934 in Little Falls, Minnesota. He grew-up on a farm northeast of Parkers Prairie, attended Parkers Prairie High School and studied engineering at the University of Minnesota, and worked on road construction projects as a part of the Civilian Conservation Corps. A veteran of the Korean War, he served in the Quartermaster's Corps during the drawdown of forces. After returning from Korea, Denny returned to Minnesota, began his career with the railroads, and married his high school sweetheart, Jeannie Johnson. Denny and Jeanne had four children, Mary, Denis, Donald, and Charles. While living in Miami, his family was one of the founding families of St. Kevin's Catholic Church. He served on the Fundraising and Building Committees, Knights of Columbus, and key other roles. Denny was one of the founding board members for Boy Scout Troop 599, serving as Scoutmaster, Committee Chair, and in other key roles. His long and storied career with the railroads took the growing Bergquist family from Minnesota to Seattle, to Miami, where they would remain for the next twenty years. Denny was the main Railroad Safety officer for the Florida East Coastline railway company in Miami Springs, and later worked as a Private Investigator and Railroad Safety expert for the prestigious Miami Beach law firm of Hastings, Goldman, and Forman. Jeanne died in a traffic accident in 1980. He met his second wife, Florence, the following year and they married in November of 1981. Denny moved back to Minnesota in 1982 and bought a home outside of Kensington in the following year. Denny continued his railroad career In Minnesota by starting a railroad safety consultancy. He was a well known expert in the field and his advice and testimony was highly sought. Returning to Minnesota gave him time to spend with his siblings and extended family and he took much pride and joy being able to spend his retirement close to the family. The annual Spring Gathering and Birthday Celebration was one of the highlights of his year as it gave him opportunities to reconnect with those he held so dearly in his heart . Denny loved his new hometown and worked tirelessly as a booster for various civic projects. He was on the Runestone Park committee, President of Lions Club, and an Election Judge for the Holmes City Township. As an avid card player, Denny was one of the founding members of the Kensington Whist Club. Denny died at home with his daughter and wife present after a prolonged battle with cancer. He is survived by his wife, his four children, two step-children, their spouses, and six grandchildren. Visitation: 7 to 9 PM Wednesday at the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria and one hour prior to the service at the church. Service: Mass of Christian Burial 11 AM Thursday, June 20, 2013 at Our Lady of the Runestone Church in Kensington. Interment will be in the church cemetery. For those who would prefer, in lieu of Flowers, Donations may be made to Boy Scout Troop 599, Denis Bergquist Leadership Challenge at the below address. Boy Scout Troop 599 C/O Cyndi Murphy 12977 SW 143rd Terrace Miami, FL 33186