Russell E. and Mildred M. Bergman

Russell E. Bergman, 100, of Green Bay, passed away on March 23, 2024.

Russell was born on August 18, 1923 in Madison to the late Ernest Christian and Luella G. (Thorhaug) Bergman.  On December 7, 1951 he married the former Mildred Mae Egdorf, who was born in Archer IA on May 8, 1931 to the late Harry and Ella (Tesch) Egdorf of Jeffers, MN.  They were together in marriage as best friends for 70 years, until Mildred, (“Milly”), 90 preceded Russell in death on April 4, 2022.

Russell served our country in the US Army Air Corp serving with the B-29 Group in WWII, after graduating from Madison East High School in 1941.

Russell’s love for the science of radio led him to achieving his Ham Radio License at the age of 13 which ultimately brought him to lifelong careers in Electronic Technology. Over the years, Russell worked for the Air Force at Truax Field as a Field Engineer and Consultant, and later at NASA’s Space Center in Houston, TX.  Later, he became the Training Director and Dean of Students at the Wisconsin School of Electronics in Madison.  During this time, he served as President of Madison’s Four Lakes Amateur Radio Club.  Russ finished his distinguished career in electronics as Director of Communications and Warning with the Wisconsin Department of Emergency Government.  Always the teacher, he loved taking his young daughters fishing and swimming, at an early age on “up-north” family vacations.  He was an inventor who enjoyed science, electronics, computers and teaching his grandchildren math. Russ loved flying airplanes, both real and models, and earned his pilot’s license.  His Homebuilt Experimental Aircraft, which he flew multiple times, was a source of pride.

Mildred was an incredibly loving and devoted wife, mother and grandmother.  She was a Trainer and Supervisor at the Wisconsin Cheeseman in Sun Prairie for many years and was prized for her meticulous skill at creating product sample baskets for photographing.  Milly dedicated her life to Russ and together, they built several homes, including a cottage.   Milly had a genuine zest for life and her children and grandchildren will fondly remember her brave, strong heart, great sewing ability, fantastic cooking and gardening skills, and especially her wonderful sense of humor and fun.  Grandma always had a pan of her “special recipe” Rice Krispie bars waiting for them when the grandkids arrived.

Together, Milly and Russ enjoyed many beautiful retirement years in Beverly Hills, Florida and celebrated their 70th wedding anniversary there.

They are survived by their daughters: Joan (Michael) Gilbert, Green Bay, and Jeri Conway, Madison, five grandchildren, ten great-grandchildren and Mildred’s sister and brother, Lorena Evarts and Ron (Diane) Egdorf.  They are further survived by nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  They were preceded in death by their parents, son-in-law John, and brothers, sisters and in-laws.

The family is planning a Life Celebration at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Madison, to be held at a later date.

Expressions of sympathy can be sent to the family by visiting www.lyndahl.com.

The Lyndahl Funeral Home and Cremation Services is assisting the family with arrangements.

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