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Dale S. Bergland Obituary – 8/7/2014


Dale Steven Bergland, 70, of Victoria, died peacefully at his home Thursday, Aug. 7, 2014, surrounded by his family.

He was born April 4, 1944, LeRoy, MN, to Adolph Benhart and Laurine Viola Bergland, where Adie and Laurine owned a family clothing store. Dale was baptized and confirmed in the LeRoy Lutheran Church.

As a boy, Dale was known for his quick wit, love of television, and enthusiasm for sports. Always looking for ways to have fun, and could be a prankster who either masterminded or participated in harmless stunts with like-minded friends. He also enjoyed playing board games and cards with his two sisters and friends.

Dale graduated from LeRoy-Ostrander High School in 1962, and went on to earn his bachelor of arts degree in economics from the University of Minnesota in 1966.

After college, he was accepted into US Army Officer’s Candidate School, and spent time in Vietnam during his two years of military service.

Dale married Karen Fleischacker of Winsted in 1975, and to this union were born two precious sons, Tyson and Zachary.

As an adult, Dale’s career in high risk insurance took him to several cities around the country: Cincinnati, Minneapolis, Denver, and Philadelphia. While in Philadelphia, he became a vice president at Reliance Insurance, and eventually co-owned a special risk company with two partners.

Dale and Karen raised their two sons in Warrington, PA, where they lived for 28 years. They returned to Minnesota in 2007, to be near Karen’s family and experience Dale’s dream of living on a golf course.

Life’s pleasures during Dale’s later years centered around watching, playing, or reading about golf; organizing his extensive music collection and creating “Name that Tune” tapes for family and friends; mastering the BBQ; following sports events on television; and planning family trips. His last major trip was to Norway in July, 2013, with Karen, and his sisters and their husbands.

All who knew Dale appreciated his generosity and sense of humor. He will be deeply missed.

He was preceded in death by his parents, Adolph and Laurine Bergland; and father-in-law Ken Fleischaker.

Dale is survived by his loving family: wife Karen; sons Tyson (Sahana) Bergland of San Francisco, CA, and Zach Bergland of Victoria; sisters Ilene (Steve) Unruh of Lopez Island, WA, and Corinne (Jürgen) Becker of Holland, MI; mother-in-law Elaine Fleischaker of Winsted; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law Connie (Dave) Kirking of Montevideo, Bruce Fleischaker of West St. Paul, Brad (Michelle) Fleischaker of Howard Lake, Todd (Pam) Fleischaker of Winsted, Scott (Lori) Fleischaker of Annandale, Kim (Rollie) Radtke of Lester Prairie, Amy Fleischaker of Winsted, and Stacy (Phil) Neumann of Lester Prairie; nieces and nephews Carissa, Christina, Nicklaüs, Holly, Christine, Marquel, Jack, Julia, Kari, Adam, Sam, Spencer, Madisyn, Mitchell, Aaron, Max, Jack, Westen, Zachery, Leah, Lisa, and David Jr.; and other relatives and friends.

A memorial service took place Saturday, Aug. 9 at 1:30 p.m. at the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia with the Rev. Keith Forrester officiating. There was a gathering of family and friends one hour prior to the service.

Memorials are preferred to Ridgeview Hospice in Waconia.

Arrangements were with the Johnson Funeral Home in Waconia; www.johnsonfh.com.

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