Lillian Bergstrom, age 107, died at her home in Bradford Township on December 25, 2017. A memorial gathering will be held at the Bergstrom Farm on Saturday, April 7, 2018 from 1:00 – 5:00 PM.
Lillian was born to Fred and Lena (Peterson) Boettcher at their farm on the shores of Lake Francis in Bradford Township. In autobiographical notes, she recalls that: “When I was a child of school age, I walked two miles to a country school, and home again on a sandy country road.” She attended high school and a year of teacher training in Cambridge. In 1929-1931 she taught in a one-room school– Isanti County District 21 in Athens Township.
She wrote that “In 1932 during the depression, there were fewer teaching jobs available. I was unable to find a position in a village school for which I had prepared myself by attending the St. Cloud Teachers’ College (in 1931-32). I accepted a position in what was called an accredited rural position. My wages had dropped since the teaching year previous to the college year.”
In following years, she taught at the Beehive School in Dalbo Township, the Athens rural school, and the Isanti village school. In 1939, after a long courtship, she married Carl Bergstrom and began life as a farm wife and mother. In addition to helping with the farm work and caring for children, she was active in community service, church activities and local politics. Her children fondly remember her loving care and her school teacher’s enthusiasm for reading and learning.
In 1959, with children grown, she returned to teaching. She taught at the Long Lake and Oxlip rural schools. She resumed her own education and in 1970, at the age of 60, she earned a bachelor’s degree from Saint Cloud State. She taught at the Isanti Elementary School from 1968 until 1976, when she retired from teaching. Her cherished husband, Carl, died in 1972. Lillian managed the farm and was active in community service. She helped in the restoration of West Riverside School and taught summer classes there. She helped to organize restoration of St. John’s Lutheran church in Bradford Township. She served on the board of directors of Cambridge Hospital. She volunteered as a teacher in the local adult literacy program and she worked with the Isanti County Historical Society and several other community organizations. During these years she researched local and family history, and traveled widely, visiting children and grandchildren. In later years she participated in activities of the Grandview Day Care Center, and was cared for in her own home by a dedicated team of local caregivers.
Lillian Bergstrom passed away at her home in Bradford Township on December 25, 2017 at the age of 107 years and 10 days. She was preceded in death by her husband, Carl, her brother, Russell Boettcher, and sisters, Ethel Nystrom and Mildred McKay.
Lillian is survived by her son, Ted of Santa Barbara, CA, and daughters, Judy of Fremont, CA, and June of Tokyo, Japan, and by three grandchildren and six great grandchildren.
Mrs. Bergstrom was my beloved second grade teacher. My sympathies to the family.
We used to play scrabble together. She was amazing at coming up with words and using everyone of the letters.
I’m so very sorry for your loss. The years I was blest to know Lillian she taught me something everyday. She had a wit about her. I use to marvel at her intellect, she would kindly correct my grammar, and spelling (which I hate to admit was most likely daily) . We use to joke “if I would of only had a teacher like her, how much better off I would have been!” Man I loved her. Not only was Lillian a blessing to me, her children were the best! One of the most caring family I have ever worked with. They were so thoughtful and loving, willing to try new ways to enhance lillian’s life during her Aging process. They taught me how a loved one can be cared for in their own home in a loving supportive manner with dignity. My prayers and thoughts are with you all at this time. Her life was truly remarkable. May she Rest In Peace.
The Scrabble post made me smile!!!
My son Daniel (Lillian’s great great nephew) when speaking of Lillian brings up fond memories of playing Scrabble with Lillian too. Daniel was very impressed with her knowledge of words too (even being a Senior Citizen).
I’m so happy that my son has those fond memories of Dear Lillian.
Wow, an amazing and long life!
My best memory of Lillian was her serving Ted & me peanut butter on cut out white bread (cut out with cookie cutter) I was so impressed with a mother that would go to that amount of work to serve a 5 year old guest. Being #8 my mother did not have time for that kind of caring. What a wonderful mother she was!
I have many memories of visits to the Bergstrom home as a young girl, visiting all the nooks and crannies as I played and explored with Judy and June. On New Year’s Day our family (the Larsons), the Olsons and the Bergstroms would get together at one of our homes to welcome in the new year. It is amazing that she was able to remain in her home for so many years, but Lillian was an amazing woman! God’s peace and blessing on you, June, Judy and Ted, as you say good-bye.
Hi June and Family,
So sorry to hear of your Mother’s passing. Sounds like she lived a wonderful full life.
It is always hard to lose a parent may your sweet memories sustain you. Blessings to ALl.
Ginny ( Anderson ) Semelis
HS friend
I so admired this great lady a wonderful person I am very lucky to have known her.
The students at Long Lake rural school were fortunate to have her for a teacher.
She was my favorite! I still think of her reading the Laura Ingalls Wilder books aloud to her students. She was very kind and was supportive to me and my family.
Thank you for sharing details about her life. She was an inspiration to many girls who dreamed of career options.