Richard Hale Bergstrom

Obituary Retired US Army Lieutenant Colonel Richard "Dick" Bergstrom was born and raised in Tacoma, Washington. A graduate of the University of Washington, he dedicated himself to military service and traveled far and wide - then met the love of his life, Margaret (Marge) Carper and married on June 20, 1952. With love and laughter, they raised five children: Dianne, Richard, Dean, Eric and Marianne. After a long military service, their family retired to Tacoma in 1972. Dick and Marge enjoyed life in Tacoma with family and friends. Both were cherished members of St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church and participated in the choir and other parish activities. Many happy memories were made with their large and loving family including travels with both family, extended family and friends to such exotic locales as the Panama Canal, the Bahamas and Alaska. In 2011, his wife, Marge, passed away and Dick relocated to Portland, Oregon to be close to family. He spent his next five years making new friends and enjoying his family. He will be fondly remembered for his good humor, his quick wit and his welcoming friendship to all. Above all, family was the focal point and the pride of Marge and Dick. Dick is survived by the family he was so proud of: his five children, their spouses, and 12 grandchildren ages 16 to 40. A Funeral Mass will be celebrated on Friday, September 30, 2016 at 1:00pm at St. Charles Borromeo Catholic Church in Tacoma, Washington. A Memorial Reception will be held on Saturday, October 1, 2016 at 10:00am at The Mirabella in Portland, Oregon. Private family burial at Tahoma National Cemetery. Memorials can be gifted to the Cornelia de Lange Syndrome Foundation.