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Carl John Bergstrom, unrepentant hippie and good friend of Bill W. for more than 30 years, passed away on September 29. Born June 24th, 1949 in Laramie, WY, Carl and his family moved frequently until settling in Eau Claire, WI. Carl found his way to Milwaukee, where he met the greatest friend and love of his life, Elaine. Carl had a passion for the earth and nature, an unmatched fearlessness, and the most strong and loving of hugs. He was smarter than most people around him and he knew it, in the best possible way. He also knew that everyone had something to teach him. And it can't go without saying that he could fix anything. Carl gave hope and friendship to countless people. His life was given to help to those around him, be it with his heart, a talk on his porch, or acts of service. He gave of himself to help others, especially those in the most dire of straits. Carl is survived by partner Elaine Bergstrom (nee Schmieler), his daughters, Lenore (Lance) Burger (nee Bergstrom) and Kriista Bergstrom, his grandchildren, Benjamin William and Madeline Elaine Burger, his two sisters, Christine Ingrid Bergstrom and Nancy Ruth Bergstrom, as well as countless friends and loved ones. A celebration of Carl’s life will be held on October 17th from 5 PM to 7:30 PM at South Shore Pavilion, located at 2900 S. Shore Dr., Milwaukee, WI 53207. If you wish to make a donation in Carl’s name, please consider Street Angels or the Hunger Task Force.
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Diane Strand (Vinopal)
So sorry to hear of the loss of another classmate. I admit I did not know Carl very well in high school, but after reading his life after high school, I wish I had gotten to know the Carl he bacame. Wonderful obituaruy and tribute to the man he had become. My sypathies go out to all his family and loved ones. Rest in peach Carl.
Jean Behnke (Wisnewski)
I don't think I can remember Carl from high school. He sounds like he lived a wonderful life and I too wish I had known him. It continues to be so sad to hear of another loss of a classmate. Heartfelt thoughts to family and friends. May God Bless and rest in peace.
Ron Halpern
I never knew, or even met, Carl, but he certainly sounds like someone I'd like to have known. What an interesting man, and what an apparently interesting and fulfilled life! There are some people and events in life that you never forget, and Carl sounds like one of them.
Rest In Peace, friend.
Sheryl Manthei (Rudd)
I did not know Carl but it is always sad to hear of another classmate passing. My sympathies go out to his family and friends.Tom Gatz
Had Carl in a few classes, he even stumped our Algebra class teacher. Carl was extremely intelligent and was a character in his own way. I can remember one time, he was trying to adjust the chain on his cycle, and all of a sudden, oops, things started moving faster than he, a finger tip got cut off, he took the parts to the hospital, but I recall they could do nothing, just made a nurse collapse when he showed everything to her. The man did have a great sense of humor. And brilliant he was, never afraid to tackle any task.
Mark Ortiz
I definitely knew Carl as a friend and fellow free thinker in high school, although I lost touch with him after that. He lived just down the street from me, in the 200 block of McKinley Ave. I think his father taught at the university, although I could have that wrong. He was kind, intelligent, and fun to be with. His passing is a loss for the world.
Patrick Bilbrey
I had the pleasure of knowing Carl as a classmate and familiy friend. Yes he was indeed smart and also very generous. He was a frequent visitor to our house and would invite us to go places with him. I remember one occasion where he stopped by to help my brother repair our TV set. That guy was truly a whiz with his problem solving skills.I was sad to hear of his passing and he will be misssed by many.
Pat Bilbrey