Verna Mae Bergmann, 80

Verna died peacefully on 18 February at ParkView Memory Care in Portland, Oregon with loving family and supportive staff by her side.

She was born in Elgin, ND to James and Erna Lange. At age 4 with her parents and older brother Neil, the family moved from crop farming to a dairy farm near Paoli, Wisconsin. She and Neil attended the one room Paoli Schoolhouse before finishing primary education at Verona High School.

She was very involved with farm associated responsibilities including animal care, cooking, sewing, tractor driving, bucking bales of hay, and helping host numerous gatherings of friends into the family home for wonderful food, delightful conversation and card games played with considerable enthusiasm. 4H and the accordion also played important roles in her young life.

Following undergraduate studies at Stout State University in Wisconsin and earning a master’s degree in nutrition from the University of Kansas, Verna began her long and devoted career in dietetics. While working in St. Paul, Minnesota, she met a medical student named Stephen who would later have the honor and privilege of becoming her husband and life partner. They were residents of Gig Harbor for twenty years, where their two daughters spent their most formative years. Verna established a private dietetic practice advising clients in her office as well as providing consulting services to group homes and hospitals. She was very active with her children, church, friends and the greater Gig Harbor Community.

With her husband she later moved to Moscow, Idaho where she furthered her diverse career through employment with Washington State University and the University of Idaho. Joining the First Presbyterian Church in Moscow she served as a deacon, participated on many committees, and was the prime instigator of the Wednesday supper fellowship. After retirement, she and Steve relocated to Portland to be closer to family.

Preceded in death by her parents, she is survived by: husband Stephen, daughters Erika (Guy), Kathryn (David), grandchildren Malia and Reed and her older brother Neil (Toni).

With her enchantingly beautiful smile and vivacious elegance she was the light in every room. She will be profoundly missed and fondly remembered by all who were blessed by her presence.