Gene "Berkie" Bergschneider

Godfrey Eugene “Berkie” Bergschneider, 90, of New Berlin, Illinois, passed away on March 27, 2026, at his home. He was born on September 19, 1935, in Springfield, Illinois, the son of Norvell and Florence (Pfeffer) Bergschneider.

Gene graduated as valedictorian of New Berlin High School in 1953 and went on to attend the University of Illinois, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Agriculture in 1957. While at Illinois, he was actively involved in Farmhouse Fraternity, the Hoof and Horn Club, and Army ROTC. Upon graduation, he proudly served his country for eight years in the United States Army Reserves, retiring with the rank of Captain.

On October 14, 1961, Gene married Jane “Darlene” Gansbauer, and together they built a life rooted in family, faith, and farming.

A lifelong farmer, Gene and his family raised purebred Hereford cattle for four generations. He was deeply dedicated to agriculture and recognized throughout his life for his leadership, service, and commitment to the farming community. His passion extended far beyond his own farm, as he devoted decades to supporting local organizations, youth programs, county fairs, and agricultural associations.

Gene was a pillar of the New Berlin community. He served on the New Berlin School Board, played a key role in starting the high school football program, and was a founding member of the New Berlin Sports Boosters. He dedicated over 60 years as the timer for basketball games and more than 40 years for football games. A devoted member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, he served his church and community with the same dedication and faith that guided his life. His unwavering commitment earned him induction into the New Berlin High School Sports Hall of Fame and the Illinois Basketball Coaches Association Hall of Fame as a Friend of the Sport.

He was an avid supporter of the Fighting Illini, the New Berlin Pretzels, and the Chicago Bears – he truly bled orange and blue. Whether at a game, a county fair, or ringside at a cattle show, Gene was always present, always involved, and always supporting the people and traditions he loved.

To know Gene was to love him. He was one of the good ones. A man who led by example, he gave his all to his family, his farm, and the community he cared so deeply about.

Gene is survived by his wife, Darlene; children, Chris (Margaret), Curt, Craig, and Clark (Chris), along with two very special bonus children, Dave and Lisa Jacobs; grandchildren, Michael (Tara), Courtney, Austin, Cayden, Lexi (Reed), Carson, Lilly, Hannah, Abby, Noah, Mitch (Shauna), and Molly (Mo); and great-grandchildren, Emma, Mansa, Astra, Aluna, Ayana, Izaac, Abbie, Maddie, Jane, Maisy, Levi, Everett, and Oliver.

He is also survived by his siblings, David (Betty), Jeannette (Dick) Beeler, and Bruce; sister-in-law, Caron Kerber; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Gene will be remembered for his unwavering dedication to his family, his community, and the agricultural way of life.

Celebration of Life: 3:00 to 7:00 pm on Wednesday, April 1, 2026, at Sangamon County Fairgrounds, 318 W. Birch St., New Berlin. In honor of Gene, family and friends are invited to wear orange and blue.

Memorial contributions may be made to: New Berlin Sports Booster, St. John’s Lutheran Church, or Sangamon County Fair Gate Fund.

The family is being served by Butler Funeral Home – New Berlin, 714 E. Gibson St., New Berlin.

Please visit www.butlernewberlin.com to offer your condolences.