Verle Ethel Bergstrom, 97, passed away at the Lawson Manor in Luck, Wisconsin on Feb. 19, 2025. She was born on Oct. 12, 1927, to Harold & Margaret (Carlson) Brenizer at their home in Sterling Township. She attended Orr School and graduated from Grantsburg High School in 1945.
She married Myron Bergstrom on Oct. 4, 1947, and together they had two children, Judy and Dale. They dairy farmed and raised mink. They traveled to all fifty states and to Switzerland, Germany, Netherlands, Estonia, Latvia England, France, Mexico and Canada. They celebrated 76 years of marriage together before Myron’s death in Nov. of 2023.
Verle was a homemaker, but found interest in collecting family history and gathered any piece of information on family that she could. Verle was called “Grams” by her grandchildren, and she adored every single one of them dearly. When any one of the grandchildren came to visit, she would make her famous pancakes no matter the time of day. “Grams” never had a recipe she put a little of this and a little of that into her blender. Every single pancake made was eaten up as quickly as they were taken off the hot griddle. Verle also enjoyed rifle hunting with the family and grandkids each season. She inspired all of the family with her wit and drive, hoping for that buck during rifle season. Verle served as the treasurer for the Laketown Township for fifteen years, she also was a dedicated poll-worker for 10 presidential elections. She took her civic duty very seriously and did it for over 40 years with pride. All who came to visit at the farm knew she had a special cookie tin in the cupboard with a chocolate fudge strip cookie for them.
She is survived by daughter, Judy (Brian) Hanson; son, Dale (Merilee) Bergstrom; grandchildren, Kim (Jack) Lundgren, Terry (Becky) Bergstrom, Troy (Eileen) Bergstrom, Craig (Jamie) Carlson and Trent (Gary) Bergstrom; granddaughter-in-law, Amber Carlson; great-grandchildren, Andrew, Meghann, Jack, Brooke and Erik Bergstrom, Zachary, Trevor and Nick Bergstrom, Ascher and Mischa Carlson, Hunter and Boe Carlson; five great-great-grandchildren, Logan, Berkleigh, Aiden and Hadley, with one expected in March; and by many nieces, nephews and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Virgil Brenizer; and grandson, Jeff Carlson.
A special thank you to the Lawson Manor and Hospice for excellent care. A special thank you to all who visited Verle, and big thank you to Linda Mott and Glen Carlson for all the extra visits and phone calls made.
A visitation will be held at the Luck Funeral Home on Sunday, March 2, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. The family will have a private burial at the Trade River Cemetery in the spring.
You are invited to leave condolences, memories and photos at rowefh.com. Arrangements are entrusted to Rowe Funeral Home in Luck, 715-472-2444 and the Northwest Wisconsin Cremation Center in Milltown, nwwicremationcenter.com.
