Shirley L. Bergeson

Shirley L. Bergeson, 88, of Sauk Rapids, MN and formerly Lake Park, MN, died January 9, 2021, at Good Shepherd Community in Sauk Rapids.

Shirley Lucille Johnson was born August 5, 1932, in Pelican Rapids, MN, to Louis and Stella (Olson) Johnson.  She graduated from Lake Park High School in 1949.  Shirley was united in marriage to Rudy Bergeson on August 11, 1952 in Detroit Lakes, MN, and they had 2 children, Roger and Amy.   Shirley graduated from Moorhead State Teachers College in 1951 with an Associate in Education Degree.  After attending college, she taught elementary school in Hitterdal, MN for 7 years and then in Dilworth, MN for 3 years.  Rudy and Shirley lived in Moorhead, MN but eventually moved to Jamestown, ND where Shirley would teach for 25 years, retiring in 1997.  Shirley moved to St. Cloud, MN in 2005.

Shirley was an active member of Trinity Lutheran Church in Jamestown and Bethlehem Lutheran Church in St. Cloud.  She served in various capacities while at church including education, parish care and church council.  She also served as Stutsman County Retired Teachers president and member for several years.

Shirley was a lifelong learner and enjoyed many educational opportunities through Elderhostels and classes at Good Shepherd.  She loved living at Good Shepherd and was active in many activities including Remember When, writing class, choir and book club.  Throughout her life, she enjoyed circle and Bible study at church.  She loved traveling, reading, writing letters and she especially loved to make people laugh.  Even to the very end, she amazed people with her humor and quick wit.

She is survived by her son, Roger (Cristine) Bergeson, Hopkins, MN; daughter, Amy (Reid) Stedje, Sauk Rapids, MN; granddaughters, Nicole (Colton) Molesky, Madison, WI and Allison Stedje, River Falls, WI; and several nieces and nephews.  She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Rudy; her brother, Dennis Johnson, and nephew, Burton Haugen.

The family would like to express their deepest appreciation for the love and care Shirley received from the staff of Good Shepherd Assisted Living, Centra Care Home Health and Centra Care Hospice.  Also, a huge thank you to Dr. Kimberly Tjaden for spending countless hours listening and patiently guiding Shirley’s health care.