Dennis Harlan Bergerud

Dennis Harlan Bergerud, 85, passed from this life into Glory on July 2, 2026 at LB Broen Home in Fergus Falls. He was surrounded by his loving family and special friends.

Dennis was born November 14, 1940, to Ernest and Irene (Skinnemoen) Bergerud in Fergus Falls.  He attended District #12 Country School, Wendell Elementary, and graduated from Elbow Lake High School in 1958. He also got his boilers license for church maintenance

He helped his dad on the farm until his first job at Foshaug Garage in Wendell, then he started at National Bushing and worked there for over 30 years; also became part owner. Then he was employed by West Tool and Design as a machinist, he worked there for about 10 years, before retiring. He also served as maintenance person at Federated Church for many years.

On March 18, 1962, Dennis married Bonnie Schuetze at Federated Church in Fergus Falls. They were blessed with two daughters, Lori Kay in 1963 and Lisa Rae in 1966.

Dennis was a member of Federated Church for over 60 years. He served on many committees and built many things for the church. He served as an Elder and was a member of the church choir. He started bringing donuts to church every Friday morning and that started the Friday Morning Men's Coffee Group at the church. He sang in the Barbershop choir, played in a couples volleyball league, and was in a bowling league. Dennis helped at the food shelf, with the Walk of Flags, and many other organizations. He did many projects to help others, a "true unsung hero."

In his early years he enjoyed hunting, fishing, and taking trips to Wyoming with friends. In his retirement, he enjoyed 2:00 p.m. coffee time daily at the Viking Café with his buddies and 10:00 Thursday breakfast with some friends, they called it the "Table of Knowledge." His first trip on an airplane was a 70th birthday gift, he went with his family to Las Vegas. After that he and his family went to Norway for a wedding and to Norfolk, VA to see his granddaughter and her husband. Dennis loved to fly!

He was very creative, could fix anything, and spent many hours tinkering in the garage. Dennis and friends built a raft using a car engine as teenagers, a "wood wacker" wood splitter, a "mean machine" all wheel drive vehicle to get wood out of the woods, a hedge trimmer using a lawn mower with handles on both sides. These are just a few we can think of. He enjoyed woodworking and made many special keepsakes for his family.

Dennis was so proud of his '68 black El Camino, that was his dads, and the '65 Olds Delta 88 that was given to him by his second father, Linwood Beck. He got such joy from his grandkids and then his great-grandkids too. They always put a big smile on his face and in his heart. His family was his biggest cheerleaders during his many trials and never gave up on him. Letting go at the end was very difficult for them.

Preceding him in death were his parents, Ernest and Irene Bergerud; brother-in-law, Roger Anderson; sister-in-law, Leora (Dan) Nelson; brother-in-law, Darrel (Delores) Schuetze, and their furry friends they have had throughout the years.

Dennis is survived by his wife, Bonnie; his children, Lori (Phil) Kugler and Lisa (Ross) Johnson; his grandchildren, Ben (Sara) Kugler, Kristen (Pasquale) Zappa, Shana Johnson (fiancé, Dan Nungesser), and Tanner Johnson; his great-grandchildren, Theodore "Teddy" Zappa, Oliver "Ollie" Zappa, William Kugler, and Sullivan "Sully" Zappa; sister, Ione Anderson; sister-in-law, Desta (Tim) Hunt, and numerous nieces, nephews, and countless friends.

A special thank you to his caregivers through the years, and to the Broen home for the wonderful care and the many friendships. They became family. Also, to Pastor Doug Dent who has been our "rock", Pastor Ed Morgan, Chaplains Eric and Norm from the Broen home, and other special friends who have been there for us.

Well done, Good and Faithful servant. Matthew 25:23

I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. 2 Timothy 4:7

Service: 11:00 a.m. Friday, July 10, 2026, at Federated Church in Fergus Falls, with visitation one-hour prior to the service.

Clergy: Reverend Doctor Douglas Dent

Interment: Knollwood Memorial Gardens, Fergus Falls, MNArrangements provided by Olson Funeral and Cremation in Fergus Falls.

Online condolences may be sent to www.olsonfuneralhome.com