Arlene (Gottschalk) Bergerson was born in Stuart, Nebraska on Aug. 27, 1929. She was the oldest of four siblings who preceded her in death.
Her mother passed and at 15 Arlene became the mother figure to not only her three siblings,Louise, Lorraine and Ivan, but many generations. She had an open heart for any child.
She moved to Oregon at the age of 17, and met her spouse of 62 years in March 1949. LaVern “Bergie” Bergerson walked into Fish’s Bakery on Water Street in Silverton. After that, Bergie would take his little sister for doughnuts just so he could see Arlene. Her time at the bakery led to a passion for baking cakes – wedding, anniversary, any special occasion.
Arlene and Bergie waited to get married until January 1950 so they could celebrate their 50th anniversary in the year 2000. Together, they built their lifelong home in 1953. This was were Arlene stayed until she passed. The couple had two children, Richard and Sheila.
Arlene worked at the Birds Eye cannery (General Foods) in Woodburn and retired after 34 years as a quality control supervisor.
She lived to see five generations in her family. Survivors include children Rick Bergerson, wife Lorraine; Shelly Aljets, husband Joe, and eight grandchildren, 17 great-grandchildren, and two great-great-grandsons.
Graveside services were held Nov. 10 at Valley View Cemetery, followed by a gathering at Arlene and Bergie’s favorite place, Chan’s in Silverton.
