Donald "Don" Bergbower (93) of Effingham
Published on June 26 2024 4:22 pm
Donald “Don” Bergbower, 93, of Effingham, IL, passed away on Tuesday, June 25, 2024 at Willowbrook Memory Support Residences in Effingham.
A Mass of Christian Burial will be held at 11:30 a.m. on Monday, July 1, 2024 at Sacred Heart Catholic Church in Effingham. Burial will be in St. Anthony Cemetery in Effingham with military rites. Visitation will be held from 10:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. on Monday prior to the service at the church. Services are in the care of Johnson Funeral Home in Effingham. In lieu of flowers and gifts, memorials may be made to Catholic Charities or Sacred Heart School. Online condolences may be shared by clicking here
Donald was born at home on May 5, 1931, in Jasper County, IL, the son of William and Veronica (Yager) Bergbower. He married Donna Lager on November 26, 1955 in San Diego, CA, and she preceded him in death on March 25, 2020. Don retired from the United States Navy as a Chief Petty Officer after 21 years of service. After the Navy, Don and his wife, Donna, began Bergbower Upholstery. They worked side by side for over 20 years and raised their family with much love and gusto. Don also enjoyed gardening and woodworking. He was a member of Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Effingham, and found joy helping out at church in any way he could.
Don is survived by his children, Sandy (Fred) Lash of Watson, Jerry (Elaine) Bergbower of Gouverneuer, NY, Fr. Dan Bergbower of Springfield, Raymond Bergbower of Sparta, MO, and Jim (Teresa) Bergbower of Toledo; grandchildren, Kevin (Lara) Lash, Jacky Lash (Paul Evans), Shelley Hensley (Anthony Bennett), David Bergbower (Laura), Jeremy Bergbower, and Joshua (Mindy) Hurst; greatgrandchildren, Brady, Lelu, Cass, Jude, Logan, MaKenzie, Hailey, Brady, Lydia, Kody, and Nyya; and brothers, John W. Bergbower and Robert Bergbower.
He was preceded in death by his parents; wife, Donna; and sister, Ruby Skelton.