Rudy Bergstrom, 90
Rudy Bergstrom, 90, was born March 14, 1923, in Kalispell to Rudolph and Alma Bergstrom.
He “went home to be with the Lord” on Dec. 13, 2013, after a brief illness.
He grew up in Somers where he met his future wife, Ruth Wright. They were married on Feb. 7, 1944, in Tucson, Ariz., while Rudy was in flight school. He had taken an interest in flying while in high school which led to a career in the Air Force during World War II as a flight instructor. During the war and after he flew 20 different types of planes, including B-17s and B-25s.
He returned to the Flathead Valley where he and Ruth built a home on Flathead Lake and began their family of five children, at the beginning of the Baby Boom. Following his discharge from the Air Force, he joined the Montana National Guard to be able to continue flying. He worked at Buttrey’s and then Kelly-Main Street Furniture for 18 years. Rudy’s faith in Jesus Christ and his love of God's Word were foundational to his life and values. He was involved with Youth For Christ in the Flathead Valley for several years. Rudy and Ruth were charter members of Central Bible Church in Kalispell.
In 1965, the family moved to Phoenix where they lived for the next 47 years, frequently returning to the Flathead Valley for visits. They were longtime members of Bethany Bible Church in Phoenix. While in Arizona Rudy worked for Barrows Furniture, while Ruth sold real estate. Due to health reasons, Rudy took an early retirement in 1979. They were able to visit their children and grandchildren in their retirement. They enjoyed living in Sun Village, Surprise, Ariz. for 23 years. With their health declining, they returned to Kalispell in 2012 and took up residence in the newly built Sykes’ Apartments, where Rudy was able to celebrate his 90th birthday in March of this year with many friends and family present.
In September Rudy was able to travel with assistance to Washington, D.C. on the Big Sky Honor Flight to visit the World War II Memorial along with 85 other World War II veterans.
Rudy is survived by his wife, Ruth, of nearly 70 years; children, Trudy Waggener and her husband Ted of Kalispell, Terry McNichols and her husband Ken of Seattle, Richard Bergstrom and his wife Leona of Seattle, David Bergstrom and his wife Allison of Anaheim Hills, Calif., and James Bergstrom of Dupont, Wash.; 10 grandchildren, Janis Waggener, James Waggener, Jody Waggener, Joshua McNichols, Jeremiah McNichols, Bethany Wallace, Jonathan Bergstrom, Lynnea Common, Dylan Bergstrom, and Ashley Bergstrom; 20 great-grandchildren; three great-great-grandchildren; numerous nieces and nephews; and his brother, Raymond Bergstrom of Columbia Falls.
He was preceded in death by his parents; and his sister, Dorothy Graham.
Viewing will be held from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., followed by a funeral service at 1 p.m. on Thursday, Dec. 19 at Central Bible Church on Thursday, Dec. 19 at Central Bible Church, 902 First Ave. E., in Kalispell, with a graveside service following. Arrangements are by Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home.
Memorial gifts may be made to the Missions Fund of Central Bible Church or the Big Sky Honor Flight, P.O. Box 80201, Billings, MT 59108.
Johnson-Gloschat Funeral Home is caring for Rudy’s family. You are invited to go to www.jgfuneralhome.com to offer a condolence and sign Rudy’s guest book.