Louis Bergquist 86, of Rhame, ND passed away on Thursday, January 25, 2018 at Southwest Healthcare Services in Bowman, ND. Tuesday January 30, open visitation from 12:00-9:00 p.m. will be at Krebsbach and Kulseth Funeral Services in Bowman. Terry Bagley will be officiating final services at 1:00 p.m Wednesday; at Van Jones American Legion Auxiliary Unit 188 in Rhame. A military burial will follow at Mound Cemetery.
Louis was born December 16, 1931 in Paynsesville, Mn. to Albin (Scoony) Bergquist and Viola (Heinrich) Bergquist. He was the 3rd of 5 Bergquist brothers. Scoony and Viola brought their family to Rhame in 1942 and living in Rhame until 1946 when they moved to Richland Center Township in Slope County.
Louie and brothers attended Harper country school. At 13, Louie would fire up the old pick up truck, pack his brothers and proceed to pick up the Heinrich, Kepnick and Clendenen kids. Needless to say, most were riding in the truck box but they got to school for a good day of learning. Louie finished high school at Rhame High School.
As an adult Louie began ranching with his brothers Bob and Gene. Military service called in 1957. Louie was stationed in Korea for 2 years with the 1st Cavalry Division Artillery. He frequently spoke of the Korean American children who hung around the camp because nobody wanted them. His camp did their best to look after the kids. One little girls in particular he always remembered. A buddy was going to try to bring her back to the States, somehow that did not work out. He regretted that he did not then try to bring her home.
After the military Louis worked in a variety of occupations with farming and ranching always on the side. Using his surveyor skills from the Army he constructed dams. He was manager of the Farmers Union Co-op in Rhame, later to become Cenex, for 17 years. On many occasions, he mentioned is staff from Cenex and was impressed with how well they did in life. He had great respect and admiration for all of them.
During his time as Farmers Union Days he met Peggy Straight, a Humble Oil bookkeeper. They married on October 5th, 1962 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They have four children: Tim, Stacey, Shaun and Nedra.
Louis and Peg ran a Cafe together for an number of years. Louie did custom combining with son Shaun. Raised pigs with son Tim and raised his blood pressure with daughters Stacey and Nedra. Finally, he went back to raising cattle which was alway his first love. He worked with Shaun, on the ranch, up until the last few months of his life.
Louis loved children. He participated in civic responsibilities serving with the fire department for many years. Enjoyed fishing and camping trips.
Proceeding Louie in death: wife Peggy, parents Albin and Viola, brothers Gene, Robert, Roger and Leonard. Surviving family members: children - Tim (Diane) Bergquist, Mandan; Stacey Bergquist, Red Wing; Shaun Bergquist, Rhame; Nedra Bergquist, Bismarck; grandchildren - John (Shawna) Bergquist, Hazen; Jacob Shimek (Sam), Bismarck; Connor Bergquist, Bismarck; Arista Bergquist (Ryker), Bismarck; Noah Bergquist, Rhame; nieces and nephews - Vi Bergquist, St. Cloud, Mn.; Wayne Bergquist, Bowman; Cindy Bergquist, Lancaster, Tx.; Mona (Karl) Heins & Karl Jr., Red Oak, Tx.; - special friends of the family; Darcy Hanson, Bismarck; Zashata Burton, Red Wing; Lynn Schumacher, Wilton; and other Bismarck area friends.