LaVerne Richard Bergstrom, 95, formerly of Dexter, Minnesota, and Brownsdale, Minnnesota, went home to be with the Lord Jesus on Saturday, May 18, 2019, in Chaska, Minnesota, surrounded by his loving family and wonderful support staff at Chaska Heights Senior Living.

LaVerne was born May 14, 1924, to Rudolph and Marguerite Bergstrom in Charles City, Iowa. During World War II, LaVerne was a pilot in the U.S. Army Air Corps and flew “the Hump” between Burma and China. LaVerne was united in marriage to Lavonne Staples and together they had three children: Linda, Jerry and Sandra. After being widowed for a number of years, LaVerne married his good friend, Marlys Felty.

LaVerne was active in the Brownsdale and Dexter communities for many years and in a variety of roles. He was a member and deacon of First Baptist Church of Brownsdale, served on the Dexter Township board, and was a respected long-time employee of IB Data in Brownsdale. LaVerne spent most of his life engaged in farming and representing Pioneer Seed to area farmers. In his role at IB Data, he worked on many construction and renovation projects at the facility. LaVerne was quietly committed to his community, friends and family.

LaVerne was a loving husband, father, grandfather, and great grandfather. He is survived by his children, Linda (Norman) Benson, Jerry (Linda) Bergstrom and Sandra (Mike) Sindelar; nine grandchildren; and 19 great-grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his parents; brother; sister; and loving wife, Lavonne.

Visitation will be held from 9:30-11 a.m. on Thursday, May 23, 2019, at the First Baptist Church in Brownsdale, followed by the funeral service at 11 am. A graveside service will be held at Greenwood Cemetery in Brownsdale with military honors by Hayfield American Legion Post 330. A luncheon at First Baptist Church of Brownsdale will conclude the celebration of LaVerne’s life. To share a special memory or condolence please visit www.czaplewskifuneralhomes.com.