Ralph Eugene Berggren

Ralph E. Berggren, M.D. (96) passed away peacefully in Yakima, Washington on Sunday, July 7, 2024. Ralph was born in Joliet, Illinois on November 30, 1927 and was the son of Reuben and Gertrude (Linden) Berggren.

Ralph served in the Navy during World War II and met his future wife, Priscilla (Boren) while stationed at Quonset Point, Rhode Island. Following his discharge from the service, Ralph returned to the College of Pharmacy program at the University of Illinois, married Priscilla in 1952, then started medical school at Northwestern University in Chicago. He graduated in the class of 1959. Ralph’s two daughters were born during his medical school years and his son during the early years of establishing a medical practice in Wheaton, Illinois.

From 1960 to 1971 Ralph developed his reputation as a caring and compassionate family doctor, delivering babies and making house calls. In 1971 Ralph was invited to join the faculty of McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. The family lived there for five years before Ralph was requested to bring the innovative physician training program to UCLA medical school. The next move was to Mercer University in Macon, Georgia where he helped with their medical school accreditation process. The final position Ralph held was as Vice President for Academic Affairs and Executive Associate Dean at the Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine. During his 35 years in medical education Ralph was recognized as an outstanding leader and his efforts resulted in high quality and standards for the university’s clinical training program.

Retiring in 1993, Ralph and Priscilla split time between their beloved ocean front cottage in Narragansett, RI. and their Gulf Coast condo in Venice, FL. They moved from Rhode Island to Washington in 2002 to be able to spend more time with grandchildren. They continued to enjoy winters in Florida. Ralph loved playing tennis, sailing, skiing, music and various church activities. He and Priscilla traveled extensively and made time with family a priority.

Ralph was preceded in death by his parents, his brother Robert and, his wife of 70 years, Priscilla. Ralph is survived by his sister, Norma Morrison of Fort Mill, SC., and his three children Carol Sears, Yakima, WA; Marcia (Douglas) Johnson, Wheaton, IL; David (Brandies) Berggren, Bellevue, WA. Also, grandchildren Kailey (Kyle) Sears, Brandon (Katy) Sears, Jocelyn (John) Springmann, Garrett Sears, Linnea (Frederick) Long, Erik Johnson, Kirsten Johnson, Delaney (Austin) Williams, Reilly Berggren, Michael (Saylor) Berggren, Steven (Kenyon Wilson) Berggren, and six great grandsons. The family will hold a private service at a future date. Memories and condolences may be shared at www.keithandkeith.com. Donations in Ralph’s name may be made to Venice Presbyterian Church or to Doctors Without Borders.