December 12, 1939 - February 9, 2025
Visitation
Saturday, April 26th from 12pm to 3 pm at the America Legion Young-Budd Post 171
Service
Saturday, April 26th
"...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.
Condolences
Russell Stephan - Mar 19, 2025
The Bergman's have been a neighborhood anchor since the very first day I moved into this little part of suburbia in central Ohio, some 30+ years ago. Dave and Patricia Bergman... One of the first things I did to my home when opportunity presented, was to convert it from all-electric to natural gas hot water and central air with pipe runs for a kitchen range and gas clothes dryer. Of course, such work requires opening up large sections of drywall to accommodate the iron pipe runs. And so, one Spring/Summer day, I was in the garage with the large door open, cutting big chunks of drywall from the wall. Pat walked across the street to get a looksee at this new young homeowner tearing up his newly acquired pad. Introductions were had before the, "What are you doing?" question came out. I explained the conversion and my plans for running the black iron pipe through the newly created wall cavities via a DIY project. The poor woman... This yahoo new punk-ass neighbor was tearing up his house *and* possibly creating a future fire and explosion hazard! And so started the 30+ year run of fondly-remembered across the street neighborly interaction. Keep in mind, Pat was a rather quiet and reserved woman... She had to be terribly concerned about my goings-on to be rather direct. Throughout the years, however, she jumped at the chance for me to run her around the yard on a monstrously powered 500cc KTM full-on woods dirt bike. She stepped aboard a little two-stroke powered scooter for a short zip up and down the street. Dave seemed rather taken aback his wife was exhibiting this adventure streak now and then. At one point, I came down with a couple of different cold bugs back-to-back. I don't think I poked my head out of the house for a full week and a half. Pat must have noticed my conspicuous absence and showed up at the front door with a couple of large vats of soups, stews, and other eats. The timing couldn't have been more perfect. I needed a sign from the Universe that there was a light at the end of the tunnel. Such a sweet woman. Pat passed a number of years ago, sadly. Dave, Pat's husband, was a Navy and Ohio State Forest Service man. There's a line from the movie, _Three Days of the Condor_, where Robert Redford describes an assassin, played by Max von Sydow, as, "Strong, like a farmer." The description fits David's physique as well as his temperament. Dave was a quiet and stoic neighbor. We'd chat, joke, rib, share beers, and help each other out on occasion. Back in the early 2000's, I was out on a greatly expedited long distance tour of North America via the motorcycle endurance competition known as the Iron Butt Rally -- an 11 day circumnavigation of North America as a scavenger hunt game. Upon returning home, David had plastered my well-worn and trailer park looking dilapidated, but mechanically reliable, Chevy S10 Blazer with, "Condemned by Order of The City of Westerville, Ohio, Public Works Department" notifications... This past Spring, Summer, and early Fall, I spent those seasons out in Las Vegas visiting and helping my elderly mother with long neglected home repair issues. Dave kept an eye on my place, ordered up lawn care services when necessary, collected my mail, and made sure I was right with the city utility bills every month. Without his dutiful help, I couldn't have spent so much time helping my mother. Sad, really, that nearly the day I returned home from this long absence, David and Family informed me of the coming health battle that ultimately claimed his life. I could go on and on and on with heartwarming stories about neighbor interaction that seems like something out of a Norman Rockwell painting or idyllic movie of the fifties era. Godspeed, David and Patricia, I'll miss you both terribly.
Elizabeth D - Feb 19, 2025
Dave was a long-time member of the Westerville Lions Club. He held many offices, president, vice-president, secretary and treasurer. I will remember Dave for all the long hours of volunteer time, and hard work at numerous Lions events over the many years. Sadly missed.
Dan Carey - Feb 15, 2025
Dave will be sorely missed at the Westerville American Legion. He was very active especially with the monthly breakfast where he assisted with the food preparation and on many different committees. He was also my friend that I personally am missing. Condolences to the Bergman family.
Robert W Funk - Feb 14, 2025
Calm Seas and Fair Winds RIP Dave.
Orv Lyons - Feb 13, 2025
A great person and Family Man. Annehurst will miss You.
Jack Cashman - Feb 13, 2025
Over the past 15 years or so, Dave and I jointly folded more funeral memorial flags than any other pair from Post 171. I loved working with Dave and will miss him terribly. God rest your soul!
Judy Martin-Urban - Feb 13, 2025
Family, I am so sorry to hear of your loss. Dave's memory is a keepsake we can keep in our hearts. God has him in His keeping.
Udo Maroscher - Feb 12, 2025
Rest your oars shipmate, we have the watch! Thanks for your friendship, you will be missed
Vinny Herwig - Feb 12, 2025
May your memories be a window through a sad time!
William Mnich - Feb 12, 2025
It was a privilege and a pleasure knowing you Dave. I appreciate your many years of service as CO of the ANA Helldiver Squadron, and now in that role myself, I often wonder "what would Dave do"? You were a role model and an inspiration . Blue Skies Forever my friend!