Deer River resident, Colonel Charles “Charlie” Kevin Bergman (USAF, Ret.), 64, was called home to heaven on December 25, 2016.

Charlie was born in Minneapolis, Minnesota on April 27, 1952, to Luther “Spud” Emmanuel and Margaret Louella Bergman. Charlie spent a majority of his time during childhood fishing and hunting. He pursued his other interest of flying, and on his 16th birthday would complete his first solo flight. This would drive his passion for flying, leading to a 26-year career in the Air Force.

Charlie would enter the Air Force Academy in 1971 and graduate on June 4, 1975, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Behavioral Science. That same day, he was married to the love of his life and high school sweetheart, Sherry Lee Holine. Together they embarked on a whirlwind of travel around the world. 

In 1982, Charlie and Sher adopted a little girl from Korea they named Holly Louella Bergman. Four years later, they adopted a son from Korea, Nicholas Charles Bergman. 

Charlie would continue his military career spanning 26+ years, which included being a B-52 instructor/checkpilot to squadron commander of the largest bomb squadron in the Air Force. 

After retiring from the Air Force in 2000, Charlie continued to work in Aviation Safety. During this time, Sher and Charlie would commit to fostering 60+ newborn babies until they retired to their native state, settling in Deer River, Minnesota in 2012. There, he would split his time as President of Deer River Sportsmen’s Club and fishing with his sweetheart. He was proud to serve his Lord, country, and community.

Charlie is survived by his wife of 41 years, Sher currently residing in Deer River; son, Nicholas residing in Hagerstown, MD; daughter, Holly (Lieberman), son-in-law, William “Billy” Lieberman, and granddaughters, Chloe and Adeline of Leesburg, VA.

He is preceded in death by his father, Luther “Spud”; mother, Louella; stepmother, Gen; and brother, Robert “Bob”.

Burial for Charles will be at Arlington National Cemetery in Arlington, Virginia at a later date.

Arrangements by Carroll Funeral Home Deer River & Bigfork, Minnesota.

Grand Rapids Herald Review  |  28 December 2016

 

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Charles was born on April 27, 1952 and passed away on Sunday, December 25, 2016.

Charles was a resident of Deer River, Minnesota at the time of his passing.

Charlie would enter the Air Force Academy in 1971 and graduate on June 4, 1975, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Behavioral Science.

He was married to Sherry Lee Holine. 

Tributes.com  |  December 2016