Mrs. Bergen was born on December 17, 1949, in Chester, the daughter of Frederick E. and Virginia L. Gerberding. She married Robert Bergen, who preceded her in death, along with her sister, Mary Gerberding.
In 1968, BJ graduated from Chatham High School and spent 37 years with Illinois Bell and its successor companies, Ameritech and AT&T, retiring in 2006.
During her leisure time, she enjoyed spending time with her family, swimming, taking cruises, and traveling. She was actively involved in her community and gave her time to many organizations, including: New Salem State Park, where she served as a tour guide, Bethlehem Lutheran Church, as a junior high Sunday School teacher and choir member, Menard County Singers, Cub Scouts, Brownies, and Girl Scouts, as a troop leader, Telephone Pioneers, American Business Women
BJ is survived by her son, Brian (Jennifer) Hollis of Plainfield, Illinois; her daughters, Becky (Jim) Rychel and Myssie Hollis (Terrell Silas), both of Springfield; five grandchildren, Calvin (Abena), Ashley, Shaunna, Lindsy, and Makenzie; six great-grandchildren, True, Kamryn, Marleo, Jazlynn, Kaison, and Amaia; her siblings, Fred (Carolyn) Gerberding of Rochester, Jim (Debbie) Gerberding of Chatham, and Virginia Koerselman-Newman of Omaha, Nebraska; her step-sisters, Mary Armstrong of St. Louis and Janet Peebles of Springfield; and several nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Visitation will be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2026, from 4:00 to 7:00 p.m. at Bisch Funeral Home, 2931 S. Koke Mill Road, Springfield, IL 62711.
Memorial contributions may be made to local Animal Shelters.
