Robert "Bob" Bergstrom

Robert LeRoy Bergstrom (Bob), 101, passed away peacefully in his sleep on Thursday, February 15, 2024 at Wesley on Grand in Des Moines. Bob was born on May 20, 1922, to Carl and Esther (Johnson) Bergstrom, on a farm near Red Oak, Iowa.

Bob spent all of his childhood years on the farm, helping his dad with all the chores. He loved all the animals on the farm, especially the dogs and horses. He graduated from Stanton High School in 1940, and farmed with his dad until his dad's death in 1962. He also had a passion for cars (especially Chevys), and loved driving. He drove until he was 96, and lived independently until he was 99.

In August of 1962, Bob went on a blind date with Milly Gustafson, the woman who would become the love of his life. Bob and Milly were united in marriage on May 4, 1963. They were a perfect fit, and loved every moment together until she passed away in 1991. They shared many common interests - a love for sports (especially the Chicago Cubs and the Iowa Hawkeyes), a strong faith in Christ, traveling, and a shared heritage, as both were 100% Swedish. They initially lived in West Des Moines, before settling in their home in Des Moines. After moving to the Des Moines area, Bob began his career at Anderson Erickson Dairy (the best dairy), and faithfully worked there until his retirement in 1984. They had one child, their daughter, Betsy. They loved her deeply and unconditionally, and were the best parents a child could possibly have.

In addition to being an incredible dad and husband, Bob excitedly embraced his role as Grandpa. He was absolutely thrilled when his granddaughters were born, and he was the most loving, devoted, and amazing grandpa to them.

When Bob was in high school, he made the most important decision of his life, and accepted Christ as his Savior. He followed and served Christ faithfully the rest of his life. He was a member of The Mission Church.

In 2011, Bob moved to Waukee. He loved the 10 years he spent at Thomas Place Senior Apartments. Eventually he moved to Wesley on Grand, where he received excellent care, and was a blessing to everyone there.

Bob was kind, gentle, loving, and giving. A sweeter man could not be found. He is so loved, and will be terribly missed.

Bob is survived by his daughter, Elizabeth "Betsy" (Kevin) Lundy; his granddaughters, Kirstin Lundy and Rachael Lundy, all of Des Moines; his brother-in-law, Leland (Diane) Gustafson of Cedar Rapids; his sister-in-law, Elaine Gustafson of Algonquin, Illinois; and several nieces and nephews.

Bob was preceded in death by his wife, Mildred "Milly" (Gustafson) Bergstrom; his parents; his brother, Donald Bergstrom; his sister, Marjorie Bergstrom; his brothers-in-law, Vernon Gustafson and Lauren Gustafson; his sister-in-law, Patricia Gustafson; and his granddaughter, Kara Lundy.

Visitation will be held from 5-7 p.m. Friday, February 23, 2024 at Hamilton's on Westown Parkway, 3601 Westown Parkway in West Des Moines. Funeral services will be held at 11 a.m. Saturday, February 24 at The Mission Church, 12001 Ridgemont Drive in Urbandale. Burial will be at Glendale Cemetery in Des Moines.

Memorial contributions may be made to The Mission Church, Cru, JDRF Eastern Iowa, or Hope Ministries, in loving memory of Bob.

Condolences may be expressed to the family at www.HamiltonsFuneralHome.com.

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