Joseph Bergstrom

Joseph Barton Bergstrom was born on August 31, 1921 in Foley MN to Carl Julius Bergstrom and Nettie Bertha (Serstock). He grew up on a farm in Foley and graduated from Foley High School in 1938. He enlisted in the Army Air Corps in 1942 and survived a training airplane crash in Texas as he studied to become a navigator. After his discharge in 1946, he completed his bachelor?s degree in business at St. Cloud Teachers College. He was hired as a bank examiner by Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC), and married Lorraine V. Wager in 1951. They made their home in Sioux Falls, SD, Mankato, MN, and Alexandria, MN. He completed a graduate degree at Rutgers University in 1960. He retired from FDIC in 1986 after 36 years as a bank examiner. Joe will be remembered for his quiet ways, his sense of humor, his love for music, and his love of home and family. He was eager to help others, loved to build in his workshop and had a special fondness for animals and small children. He sang in a men?s chorus and the church choir for many years, and loved making and listening to music. He was a lifelong member of the Covenant Church and enjoyed the friendship and love of many members over the years. He was preceded in death by wife Lorraine in 2001 and brother, Herbert Bergstrom. He is survived by children Douglas (Christy) and grandchildren Philip and Eric; Nance (Mike Anders) and grandchildren Jake (Erin), Tom (Liz) and Mattie; Julie (Tim Starks) and grandchildren Adrian and Anna; Jean (Jon Carlson) and grandchildren Eva, Emily and Andrew; and Kay (fianc� Steve Karye) and siblings, Melba Knochemus, Doris Bergstrom, Roland Bergstrom and Norman Bergstrom. Gone to be with Lorraine! A funeral service was held on Tuesday, May 29, 2012 at the Alexandria Covenant Church in Alexandria with Reverend Steve Eng officiating. Music was provided by Eva Carlson, Adrian & Anna Starks, Mattie & Tom Anders. Interment was held in Maywood Cemetery in Foley, MN. Military Honors were provided by the Alexandria American Legion Post 87, Veterans of Foreign Wars Post 936, and the Minnesota National Honor Guard. Casket bearers were Phil Bergstrom, Jon Carlson, Tom Anders, Mike Anders, Tim Starks, and Adrian Starks. Memorials preferred to Alexandria Humane Society. Arrangements are with the Anderson Funeral Home in Alexandria.