Vernon Bergstrom

Vernon Willford Bergstrom (Bugs), 86, passed away at home on January 17, 2019 with his family at his side. Vernon was born in International Falls, Minnesota on Feb. 20, 1932 to John and Annie (Lundgren) Bergstrom. He would often go to school with carrots which is how his schoolmates came to call him “Bugs”. He graduated from Littlefork High School with honors. After graduation, Vernon joined the army and was stationed in Germany and Italy. During this time he became pen pals with a young lady from International Falls named Carol Grandaw. They married in May 1955. Vernon was a sports reporter for the International Falls newspaper. In 1959 they moved to Alderwood Manor and he went to work for Branom Instrument Co on Seattle. In 1986 he accepted a transfer to the Branom office in Richland, WA where he worked until his retirement. Vernon really enjoyed his guitar and singing. He and Carol even cut a record which he was very proud of. There were many evenings when family and friends would gather with a variety of instruments and sang into the wee hours. Instead of sleeping, us kids could often be found sitting on the stairs listening. Vernon was an avid fisherman, hunter, and golfer. Highlights include Raffe Lake with his friends, fishing with son-in-law Randy in Kyuquot on No. Vancouver Island, and most recently with his grandson Casey in Alaska. The annual hunting trips for elk grew into 4 generation reunions with many tall tales, excitement, and camaraderie. He would also be on the golf course whenever he could. Vernon was a 3rd Degree member of the Knights of Columbus and Treasurer of Our Lady of Lourdes Council in Selah. Vernon is survived by his wife Carol and 7 children: Diana (Randy) of Yakima, Elizabeth of Tieton, John of Selah, Bonnie (Chris) of Oregon City, Oregon, Jim (Laura) of Memphis, Tenn, Joseph of Nanaimo, BC, Canada, and Jerry of Shoreline, WA. Brother Ernie (Irene) of Camano Island, sisters Arlene and Lorna of Florida, sister Muriel of Washington, 12 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren. He is preceded in death by his parents, 1 brother (Ron) and 2 sisters (Inez and Velma). Viewing will be Fri Jan. 25 from 6-8pm with the Rosary at 6:30 at Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic Church in Selah. Mass of the Christian Burial will be Sat Jan. 26 at 11:00am with military honors. A reception will immediately follow at the church hall. Burial at Calvary Cemetery. To order memorial trees or send flowers to the family in memory of Vernon Bergstrom, please visit our flower store.