The Rev. Dr. Ronald D. Bergman, age 86, of Cambridge passed away February 5, 2026 at GracePointe Crossing. A Memorial Service to remember the life of Ron will be held Saturday, March 14, 2026 at 3:00 pm at North Isanti Baptist Church in Cambridge, MN. A time for visiting will be held starting at 2:00 pm at the church.
Click here to watch the livestream service.
Ronald Bergman was born on November 25, 1939, at the family farm in Isanti, MN to Harold Sr. and Ida Bergman. He attended school in Isanti and graduated from Cambridge High School in 1957. He then went on to Bethel College for his undergraduate degree. He continued to Bethel Seminary where he received his Master of Divinity. Throughout his life he continued his education earning a Master of Theology from Calvin Seminary and a Doctorate of Ministry from Talbot Seminary. Dr. Bergman was ordained in the Baptist General Conference, now Converge.
During Ron’s life ministry he served in 14 churches, 5 pastoral positions and 9 interim positions. He served as Director of Education and Camping in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and Chaplain at Grandview Nursing Home. He enjoyed many church conferences, pastor meetings, and the special relationships his ministry provided him with.
Ron met his sweetheart, Carol (Johnson), during the summer of 1966 when he started his ministry. His first interim pastorate was a summer in Escanaba, MI. He looked out and saw this cute girl in the congregation, they started dating and they married on March 18, 1967. He was very proud of his 2 children, their spouses, his grandchildren and their spouses. Ron was even blessed to meet 3 of his great grandchildren. Family was very important to him, and he loved the times the family gathered together. Some of the greatest memories are family trips to Colorado, Michigan, summer gatherings and holidays spent at the home in Boyceville.
Those who knew Ron were quick to notice his sense of humor. He had a quick wit that he carried with him until the end. He loved to talk to children, and he never met a stranger. He had the gift of conversation and worked hard to make people feel important.
When he wasn’t with people, Ron had many hobbies. He enjoyed reading, music and anything outdoors. He spent hours working in the dirt, working on retaining walls for his vegetable and flower gardens. He always had a smile when he could ride around on his tractors, big or small. Somehow every project got a little bigger and a little more complicated. In his retirement years he developed the hobby of watching birds.
Ron lived life well. He loved people well. He served his Savior faithfully until his very last breath and is now walking in eternity.
Ron is preceded in death by his parents and 5 siblings. He is survived by his wife, Carol; daughter, Brenda (Dave) Ingalls; son, Brian (Jenni) Bergman. His grandchildren, Jake (Kayleigh) Bergman, Kristin (Bradley) Fisher, Aaron Ingalls, Nathan Ingalls, Ben Bergman; and his great grandchildren, Evelyn, Layla, Eleanor, and baby.
Ron will be deeply missed by all! He was the type of guy who welcomed anyone into his life and made them feel blessed to have them in theirs. His humor and ability to make you laugh was one of his finest qualities that I will never forget! You’re all in our thoughts and prayers and never forget that he will always be forever in your hearts, never forgotten, and watching over you all! Sending lots of prayers, hugs, and love to you! 💞
A colleague at Bethel. Ron was always up for another bull session with the guys, but always with passionate heartbeat for the Church. Always enjoyed visits at Founders week and annual Converge conferences. I now attend Grace in Washburn where he served as Interim.
We certainly enjoyed having him in our church,l back in the mud 60’s in Escanaba.
He was enthusiastic, steady, and protective of us kids, and personable for sure.
His time there was enjoyable for us.