David M. Bergman

"...It is more blessed to give than to receive. (Acts 20:35)"
David M. Bergman, aged 85, husband, father, grandfather, brother, uncle, forester, volunteer, and veteran, slipped the surly bonds of earth on Sunday, February 9, 2025, at home, surrounded by family. Dave is survived by his two daughters; Kristen (Christopher) Berk and Karin Bergman; grandchildren Avery and Britton Berk; and brother Jim (Claudia) Bergman. He is preceded in death by his beloved wife Patty Ann and parents Thelma and Ward.
Born and raised in Ohio, Dave joined the United States Navy after high school, entering active duty from 1957 to 1960 and the Navy Reserves from 1961 to 1963 and again from 1978 to 1992. Beginning in 1962, and throughout much of his life, he served as an adult scout leader with Boy Scouts of America. After starting a family, Dave went on to graduate from Michigan Technical University in 1975 with a B.S. in Forestry. He wore many hats during his career, including wildland firefighter, forest ranger, Chief of Forestry for the State of Ohio, and various roles within the Ohio Division of Natural Resources, and eventually (after retirement) as the Westerville City Tree Coordinator.
Dad's world revolved around his family and the Westerville community. His service included the Westerville Shade Tree Commission, Westerville Parks and Rec, Lion's Club, American Legion Young-Budd Post 171, Westerville Honor Flight, Ohio Forestry Association, and Association of Naval Aviators, just to name a few. He loved being a dad and enjoyed traveling, birding, fishing, skiing, the outdoors, planes, westerns, and listening to Karen Carpenter. His idea of paradise was a cabin by a lake in the Upper Peninsula, sitting on the porch with the love of his life watching the sun set.
Grandpa "Paki", as his grandchildren fondly called him, was deeply loved, and will be greatly missed, by all who knew him. Dave wished to have a Celebration of Life rather than a memorial service, with the time and date yet to be determined. In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that anyone wishing to make a memorial contribution in Dave's honor, that you please consider the following organizations close to his heart: W.A.R.M. (https://www.warmwesterville.org/donate) and/or Wounded Warrior Project (support.woundedwarriorproject.org/)

Dave's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 26th, 2025, at the America Legion Young-Budd Post 171 at 393 East College Ave., Westerville, Ohio 43081. For questions, please reach out to Karin Bergman via text at 808-250-0246

Dave's Celebration of Life will be held on Saturday, April 26th, 2025, from 12pm to 3 pm at the America Legion Young-Budd Post 171 at 393 East College Ave., Westerville, Ohio 43081. For questions, please reach out to Karin Bergman via text at 808-250-0246.