He was born March 31, 1958 to Merle and Eloise (Thompson) Bergey in Harmony, MN.
He graduated from Mabel-Canton High School in 1976. He continued his education at Rochester Area Vocational Technical Institute in auto mechanics.
He married Laurie Gillund on September 18, 1988. They were blessed with two beautiful daughters, Celeste and Channing, who were undoubtedly his greatest gifts. They were later divorced, but Celeste and Channing remained his pride and joy. Dennis was a loving and devoted dad, son, brother and uncle, always putting the needs of his family first.
He was employed at Mabel Farm Equipment until its closing. He then started his own business, Bergey Repair, which he owned and operated at his farm. With his vast knowledge and self-made talent, Dennis was well known as the mechanic who could fix anything. His specialty was repairing the older models of “RED” tractors.
Dennis was a senior member of the Canton Volunteer Fire Department, which he held in the highest regard. He was on call 24/7, another example of his dedication to his neighbors.
Dennis loved life and lived his to the fullest. He was a true “people person,” because of which he had an entire community of best friends. He was always available to help anyone at anytime. He was very humble and had the unique ability to become a lifelong friend to everyone he met. He enjoyed spending time with his daughters, family and friends, riding his Harley, organizing hayrides, golfing, playing cards, cooking, grilling, and sharing his great recipes with others.
Dennis passed away surrounded by friends at the Harmony Golf Course, on Thursday, August 13th at the age of 57.
He is survived by his daughters, Celeste stationed in Pearl Harbor, HI, Channing of Minneapolis, MN; mother, Eloise of Harmony; two sisters, Diane (Steve) Allbee of Dunn Loring, VA, Danette (Tim) Daniels of Waconia, MN; four brothers, Don (Deb) of Canton, Dave (Karen) of Harmony, Dean of Harmony, and Doug (Debbie) Spring Valley; many nieces and nephews; great nieces and nephews; aunts and uncles; and his infinite number of friends. That's a “HUGE” and “WONDERFUL” legacy.
He is preceded in death by his father, Merle; infant sister; maternal grandparents, Larney and Eldora Thompson; and paternal grandparents, Glen and Gladys Bergey.
A celebration of Dennis' life will be held at the Canton Assumption Church onWednesday, August 19 at 11 a.m. Burial will be in the Henrytown Lutheran Church Cemetery. Visitation is at the church in Canton on Tuesday, August 18, from 4-8 and one hour prior to the service. |
