Kenneth Franklin Bergstrom

Kenneth Franklin Bergstrom was born on April 26, 1934 in Elma, Washington to Otto and Ida (Williamson) Bergstrom. He was the 5th of 7 children. Kenneth attended school in a two room school house, he then graduated Elma High School in 1952. In 1954, he graduated Greys Harbor Community College and began to work for Sears Roebuck and Company selling shoes. He was drafted in the Army in 1955, he was assigned to a M.A.S.H. unit and was stationed at Fort Sam Houston, San Antonio, Texas. While there, he worked part time for Sears and met his wife, Loretta Ruff. They were married February 7, 1959 and moved to Seattle, Washington. His daughter, Karen Marie, was born in 1959, followed four years later by his son, Karl John. Kenneth continued to work for Sears, and in 1972 was transferred to Los Angeles to learn the new computer cash registers. He and the family returned to Washington where he was in charge of implementing the new system. Kenneth retired in 1992, he was the Group Merchandise Manager for Men’s Wear for the Pacific Northwest, while in this position he earned many awards from Levi Strauss, Sears and other merchants. He took pride in his work, and this showed in all of the different positions he held while at Sears.

In 1992, he not only retired but became a grandfather for the first time, Colin John Chance was the apple of his eye. They were buddies and hung out together doing work, Colin could be seen with a stick in his mouth (his ‘gar’) walking around behind his Grandad, who had his own cigar. In 1995, his second grandson, Eli Albert Chance was born. Both Colin and Eli were the pride and joy of his life, he took tremendous pride in all of their activities; and would tell everyone about what they were doing. In May 2003, his third grandson, Michael Aaron Bergstrom was born. Michael enjoyed seeing his Grandad during his short time in this world. Michael was waiting for his Grandad when Kenneth left this world on Sunday, February 10.

Kenneth was preceded in death by his parents, Otto and Ida Mae Bergstrom, his siblings; Florence, Otto Jr, Ellen, Lyle, and Lauralee and his grandson Michael. He is survived by his wife of 54 years, Loretta, his daughter Karen (Craig Chance) his grandsons, Colin and Eli, and his son Karl and his sister Lorraine Mooney, and nieces. In lieu of flowers family suggests donations be sent to the St. Labre Indian School, 1000 Tongue River Road, Ashland, MT 59003.