Douglas Robert Bergeson, 69

Douglas Robert Bergeson passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of Thursday, March 26, 2020.

Doug was born April 14, 1950, to Robert and Gloria Bergeson in Whitefish. Doug was the eldest of his four siblings, with whom he wreaked havoc on the early streets of Whitefish. Doug spent his entire youth and adult life in Whitefish, having deep family roots there. Doug spent a short time in the Army in 1969, only to return to his beloved wife Dixie in Whitefish.

Doug met Dixielee Kelsey in high school and they were inseparable after that. Doug and Dixie married in Whitefish in 1969, and just recently celebrated their 51st wedding anniversary on St. Patrick’s Day. Dixie was Doug’s “other half,” keeping house and home and was the person whom his life revolved around.

Being a jack-of-all-trades, Doug worked as a logger, and on the building of the Libby Dam. He also worked at the Columbia Falls Aluminum Plant for a time. Throughout his life, Doug was first and foremost husband and father, with a close second being the salesman of all salesmen. He passed his skill set on to each of his three boys, with Bruce being a skilled mechanic and Shawn and Donovan following in his salesman footsteps. He had a car lot on Highway 93 in Whitefish and another on Highway 40 in Columbia Falls back in the day. In retirement, Doug dabbled in buying and selling a used car here and there and was an avid gun collector; but most of all he was available anytime, day or night for his kids, grandkids and great grandkids. Doug also liked to hunt, fish, go camping and target shooting. Doug was very proud of his Whitefish heritage and the fact that his maternal grandfather Frenchy DeVall, owned and operated Frenchy’s Chinese Gardens in Whitefish for many years.

Doug was predeceased by his mother and father and a dear sister-in-law, Patty Ross.

Doug is survived, at the family home, by his loving wife of 51 years, Dixie, and his three children Bruce, Shawn (Catherine), and Donovan (Debi). Also surviving are his grandchildren, of whom he was extremely proud, Justin, Samantha, Jordan, Lauren (Levi), Nicole, Auston (Sofie), Brady, Carter and Josephine. In addition, Doug’s great-grandchildren are Bryson, Westley, Nicholas and Hunter. Also surviving Doug is his sister Robin Strunk and family in Oregon; Tracy Haas and family of Columbia Falls; and a half brother, Brian Kelly, whom Doug had the enormous pleasure of meeting only 10 years ago. Sister-in-law Jeanette Krueger and family live in Olney, and brother-in-law Corey Kelsey lives in Kalispell. Doug treasured his siblings immensely.

For the many friends that Doug knew and loved over the years, there will be a memorial gathering later this summer in Whitefish. The date will be announced soon. Doug told his family daily how proud he was of each and every one of them and his boys were his world. At this time, Doug’s family would ask that you honor Doug’s life and memory by forgiving someone who has wronged you, help someone who is struggling and take a little extra effort to appreciate your loved ones. Life is short and precious.

Friends and family are encouraged to visit www.austinfh.com to send notes of condolences.

Austin Funeral and Cremation Services in Whitefish is caring for Doug’s family.