Gary L. Bergsten

A funeral service for Gary L. Bergsten will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Monday, November 27, 2023, at Trinity Evangelical Free Church in Holdrege, Nebraska, with Pastor Murray Jones officiating and Chaplain Kathy Doiel assisting. Military Honors will be provided at the church by the United States Air Force Funeral Honors Team. Following his traditional service, cremation will take place and a private family inurnment will be held at the Prairie Home Cemetery in Holdrege.

Gary Lee Bergsten, 74, of Holdrege, died on November 14, 2023, at Holdrege Memorial Homes in Holdrege. He was born February 15, 1949, in Minden, Nebraska, the eldest of two sons born to Robert (Duane) and Lela (Reed) Bergsten. Gary was raised on the family farm east of Norman, Nebraska. He received his primary education in Norman, and then graduated from Minden High School with the Class of 1967.

Gary graduated from Kearney State College in 1971 with a BS degree, business administration emphasis. Not long after graduation, he joined the United States Air Force.  He used his degree working in the accounting and finance office at George AFB, California, for the majority of his military enlistment.

On May 14, 1972, he married Jeanne Benckeser. Their daughter, Jenice, was born in California. The family moved to Holdrege in 1975 when Gary began working for Central Nebraska Public Power and Irrigation District, eventually becoming the District's Controller and Assistant Treasurer. Their sons, John and James, were born in Holdrege. In 1992, Gary earned his Master's in Business Administration.

In 1994, Gary was diagnosed with a cancerous brain tumor. He had cranial surgery, radiation and chemotherapy. In spite of side effects, Gary continued working even during his cancer treatments. In 2008, he had a seizure while riding his bicycle and suffered a Traumatic Brian Injury. He spent 21 days in the hospital, followed by 3-1/2 weeks of inpatient and 6 weeks of outpatient therapy at Madonna. Gary again worked hard to resume his career at CNPP&ID, but was unable to do so. He went on disability in 2009. The stroke Gary had in 2012, his seizures, and other concussions increased Gary's disability. In spite of his physical issues, Gary worked hard to keep himself as strong as possible. He, with his personal trainer, Steph Monthey, met four times a week for that purpose. Gary officially retired from CNNP&ID in 2014.

Gary accepted Christ as his personal Lord and Savior as a college student in Kearney. His relationship with Christ was the center of his life. As his health declined, he and Jeanne discussed the joy he would have when he would be able to talk and walk again when he was called to heaven to live eternally with Jesus.

Gary was a member of Trinity Church. He held many offices including church chairman, treasurer, four terms as a deacon and two terms on the Child Care Center board. He was a Sunday School teacher, Awana Boys leader, nursery volunteer and Children's Church worker. He especially enjoyed assisting with Trinity's bi-yearly Car Care Saturday. Gary and Jeanne were thankful to join church members on a mission trip to the Czech Republic in 2008.

Gary served on the Christian Homes Board. He was proud of serving on the Phelps Memorial Health Center Board during the construction of Phelps Memorial Plaza and the renovation of the hospital. He served six years on the Holdrege Police Retirement committee. He was a two-time Rotary Paul Harris Fellow.

Gary loved working with his hands. He created projects out of wood and was the family handyman. Gary enjoyed working outside, mowing and tending to his flower and vegetable garden. In the winter, he loved shoveling and blowing snow. Having a servant heart, Gary assisted others whenever he could. It was hard when his physical deterioration gradually made it impossible for him to do these things.

Gary and Jeanne enjoyed traveling. They took thirteen cruises and several road and plane trips. As his health declined, he especially looked forward to leaving the nursing home and riding around with Jeanne as they explored Nebraska's highways.

In May 2018 Gary moved into Holdrege Memorial Homes where the staff lovingly cared for him throughout his stay there.

He was preceded in death by his parents, brother Rodney Bergsten, father-in-law Harold Benckeser, mother-in-law Irene Kummer, step-father-in-law Daniel Kummer, sisters-in-law Fae Lavonne Benckeser and Sharon Woolery, and brother-in-law Gary Milner.

Survivors include: his wife Jeanne of Holdrege; children: Jenice (Brian)  Bergstrom of Axtell, John Bergsten of Berthoud, Co, and James (Emily) Bergsten of  Valley, Nebraska; nine grandchildren: Bethany (Andrew) Thomas of Lincoln, Bria  (Derek) Judd of McCook, Jaron Bergstrom of Axtell, Mason Audas, Olivia, and Alexis  Bergsten of Berthoud, CO, Gavin (Emma) Bergsten of Elkhorn, Chloe Bergsten of  Lincoln, and Will Bergsten of Valley; two great-grandchildren to be born yet this year;  Sisters-in-law: Barbara Bergsten of Hickman and Raelene Milner of Waterloo, Iowa; Brother-in-Law Ken Woolery of Scottsbluff; aunts: Bonnie Harper of Hastings and  Phyllis Gaston of Blue Hill; many nieces, nephews, and cousins including his cousin (like a sister) Jo Koos, and his special friend and personal trainer, Stephanie Monthey of Holdrege.

A visitation will be held on Sunday, November 26, 2023, from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. with family greeting friends from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. at the Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege.

A memorial has been established in his honor and kindly suggested to Trinity Church or Holdrege Memorial Homes Foundation.

Expressions of caring and kindness can be sent to the family at www.nelsonbauerfh.com

The Nelson-Bauer Funeral Home in Holdrege is in charge of the arrangements.