Submitted by: Dan Rich

William J. Bergen

Dec. 24, 1937 - Feb. 12, 2001

South Bend Tribune 2/14/2001

William J. Bergen, 63, of South Bend, Ind., lost his courageous battle with cancer at 5:05 a.m. on Monday, Feb. 12, in Hope Hospice, Fort Myers, Fla. He was born on Dec. 24, 1937, in Indianapolis, Ind., to Charles and Lois Bergen, who preceded him in death.

In 1957 he married the former Sue Sult, who survives, along with a son, Jeffrey (Pam) Bergen of South Bend; two daughters, Julie (William) Wonisch of Warsaw, Ind., and Jill (Robert) Fowler of South Bend; nine grandchildren, Lyndsey, Zach and Greg Bergen, Alex and Hannah Wonisch, and Alysia Jessup, Kelsey Jessup, Hailey and Mitchell Fowler; two brothers, Don (Chris) Bergen of North Liberty, Ind., and Larry Bergen of Cassopolis, Mich.; two sisters, Kay (Conley) Yoakum of Granger, Ind., and Sally (Dan) Castetter of Granger.

Bill was a machinist, having had his own machine shop in the early `60s, and working in various machine shops in the area. He also became an accomplished carpenter, remodeling and building homes at Chain of Lakes in Lydick. Bill and his wife spent their winters in Bonita Springs, Fla., where he became a gifted woodcarver. One of his biggest joys of life was passing on his woodcarving talents, giving lessons to many of his woodcarving friends. He was enthused in living life to the fullest, and had many hobbies over the years. He enjoyed camping, fishing, hunting, collecting coins, stamps, guns, raising tropical fish, and owned the Pineline Trap shooting range in New Troy, Mich., in the late `60s and early `70s. Bill was an active member of Alcoholics Anonymous which resulted in wonderful friends in South Bend and Bonita Springs.

The Forest G. Hay Funeral Home, 435 S. Ironwood Drive, is handling arrangements. Viewing will be from 3 to 8:30 p.m. today, and the funeral services will be at 1 p.m. on Thursday. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions be made to the Fellowship House, 4313 Linden Avenue, South Bend, IN 46619; or to Hospice of St. Joseph County, 111 Sunnybrook Court, South Bend, IN 46637.