Wallace "Wally" Bergerson

Wally Bergerson, age 82, passed away peacefully on July 17, 2025, at St. John's Hospital in Maplewood, MN, with his loving daughters by his side.

Wally was known for his private nature and quiet strength. He had been in and out of the hospital in June to address side effects (gross hematuria due to radiation cystitis) from cancer treatments he'd received in 2008. During his admissions he had multiple surgeries, interventions, and procedures. He continued to be pragmatic in his approach to treatment(s). However, his health complexities continued to expand to include a new, third cancer diagnosis of HCC. In collaboration with his care providers he made the decision to move to symptom management and comfort cares. He was at peace with his decision. He never lost his jovial spirit despite the challenges he faced. He continued to crack jokes and give thumbs up and fist bumps to his care providers, and hospital staff.

Born and raised in Belgrade, MN, he earned his Bachelor's Degree from Concordia College, Moorhead, Minnesota. He went on to teach math and coach in Lester Prairie.

Wally served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam conflict; serving with Company A, 75th Support Battalion, 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division (Mechanized) at the Da Nang Air Base, Vietnam. He attained the rank of Sergeant (SGT), and was awarded the Bronze Star Medal and the Army Commendation Medal both for meritorious achievement. Upon his honorable discharge he obtained his Master's Degree from Winona State University.

From January 1975 thru December 2002, Wally worked for the State of Minnesota and the Department of Human Services (DHS). As a Research Analyst Specialist Senior, his responsibilities included forecasting and statistical modeling for public assistance programs. His work shifted, as technology changed, towards programming and database management to support: forecasting, research and fiscal notes for proposed policy changes, and required quarterly federal reports. He was especially fond of the "Tuesday" golf league and time spent with colleagues - it was something he continued with until 2017, even after he retired.

Wally loved time with family, a well-manicured lawn, an organized garage, puzzling, and coffee. He will be remembered for his warmth, kindness, quick-wit, and remarkable ability to make others smile. He was the kind of person you couldn't help but like from the moment you met him.

Wally was preceded in death by his devoted wife of more than 50 years, Betty Bergerson; his parents, Joseph and Hannah Bergerson; and five siblings: one baby sister, Jeanette, Jane, Harvey, and Ellsworth.

He is survived by daughters Paula Bergerson and Jodi Bergerson; sisters-in-law Elsie Lovsted, Arlene (Jon) Lovsted, and Ellen Bergerson; and many nieces and nephews.

A memorial gathering will be held Wednesday, August 6 from 10:30 AM - 1:00 PM at Bradshaw Celebration of Life Center, 4600 Greenhaven Drive, White Bear. Visitation begins at 10:30 AM, with a memorial prayer at 11:30 AM, and lunch to follow.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Minnesota Military Family Foundation (https://minnesotamilitaryfamilyfoundation.org/contribute).