David Llewelyn Bergstrom

David Llewelyn Bergstrom

July 10, 1937 - September 3, 2019

David Llewelyn Bergstrom, 82, of Kelliher, MN passed away Tuesday, September 3, 2019 at his home, with his family present as he would have wished.

Funeral Services will be held on Friday, September 13, 2019 at 2:00 PM at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Kelliher, MN, with Rev. Anne Meredith officiating. Visitation will be held at Cease Funeral Home in Blackduck, MN from 6 – 8 PM on Thursday, September 12th with a prayer service at 7:30 PM and for one hour prior to the funeral at Our Savior's Lutheran Church in Kelliher. Interment will be in Fairview Cemetery in Kelliher with military honors provided by American Legion Post #470 of Kelliher.

David Llewelyn Bergstrom was born July 10, 1937 to John and Palma (Oistad) Bergstrom in Strandquist, Minnesota. He was baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran faith. He graduated from Kelliher High School in 1955. He worked driving truck after graduation and drove the cream truck for his dad, who owned the creamery at that time. He also worked for Vern and Silver Anderson of Sturgeon Lake, Minnesota. He joined the US Navy, attending Engineman School at the Naval Training Command at Great Lakes, Illinois, and later was stationed at the US Naval Submarine Base in New London, Connecticut, attaining the rank of E5 - Second Class Petty Officer. He proudly served aboard the Submarine USS Tench as senior engineer from 1955-1959. After the service he built Capp Homes with his dad for 11 years. He also did plumbing, heating, refrigeration, photography and was always willing to help others. On October 4, 1969 David married Delphine Hand of Saum, Minnesota. A son, David John was born January 8, 1972 and son, Darin Daniel was born October 4, 1974, on his parents 5th anniversary. Dave or "Bergie", as he was sometimes called, was Chief of Police for Kelliher and then joined the Beltrami County Sheriff's Dept. in November, 1973. He became a sergeant and an investigator in the department as well as handling many other duties. He served nearly 30 years and retired in 2002. Dave enjoyed relating stories of his submarine and Law Enforcement experiences. At times he was referred to as "Columbo" as he wore a tan top coat too. He enjoyed hunting, fishing, camping, photography and ham radio, KAOCBC, his call sign. He belonged to Our Savior's Lutheran Church, and the Kelliher VFW & American Legion. One of his trademarks was his shiny black Wellington boots, which were always shined.

Dave leaves behind to mourn, his wife of 50 years, Delphine; his two sons, David Jr. (Heidi) and Darin; two grandsons, Gavin and Trevor; brother E. Wendell (Claire) Bergstrom of Charleston, SC; sister-in-laws, Elaine (Hand) Brown and Gayle (Hand) Mostad; many aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

He was preceded in passing by his grandparents; his father and mother, John and Palma Bergstrom; a brother, Sidney of Black Diamond, Washington; and a baby brother, John Bergstrom, Jr. Blessed be his memory.