Robert E. Bergeron, age 85, passed away peacefully on January 29, 2022. Bob lived his life according to the "golden rule". He led with kindness and respect and treated absolutely everyone how he would like to be treated. This was evident with his family, and it was evident throughout his 37-year career with the Air National Guard. When Bob joined the Air National Guard as a jet engine mechanic, his intention was to stay for three months and then transfer to active-duty Air Force. The Air National Guard benefitted from his change of plans. He achieved the rank of Chief Master Sergeant of the 133 rd Mission Support Squadron. Reflecting on that at his retirement in 1991, Bob highlighted that he treasured the camaraderie and the people even more than his travels and work.

Bob was blessed with a large family to love. He taught his children and grandchildren love and respect through his actions. Bob was always quick with a joke, a smile and a twinkle in his eye. During retirement if you were looking for Bob and did not find him on the golf course in either Florida or Minnesota, you would find him with friends or at a large family gathering. Bob might have a martini or a cold beer in his hand, but he would be sharing great conversation and relishing the connection. At the age of 78, Bob achieved his dream of golfing his age. He did not get the ever-elusive hole in one, but he lived a life without regrets.

It may have been his military training or career but Bob always showed a fighting spirit.  He persevered loss, cancer and a traumatic brain injury. Through it all, Bob's faith did not waiver. He did not complain. He lived and he loved. Even in the final months when Bob's brain was not doing what he wanted it to do, he could be found connecting with others and adoring his wife. His greatest wish was to "go home". While his family and friends deeply grieve his loss here on Earth, we are assured that he is home. He is healed.  He is relishing time with his Saviorand his family and friends who went before him. And he might just get that elusive hole in one at a golf course that is more spectacular than he could ever have imagined.

Bob is preceded in death by parents, Norbert and Augusta (Krueger); previous wife, Joan; daughter-in-law, Kelly; 10 brothers and sisters. Survived by wife Sandra; previous wife Judy; sons Mark (Nancy), Richard (Cindy), Tom (Kelly), Chris (Debbie Jo); daughters; Sue Kiley and Jill (Jeff) Belina; step-sons Randy (Rene) Dahl and Tim (Brenda) Dahl; step-daughters Robyn (Todd) Gallegos and Kristin (Roger McGlone) Dahl; grandchildren Mike, Elisa, Tyler, Kevin, Brandon, Jessica, Tommy, Aaron, Kyle, Kevin, Samantha , Matthew, Emily, Jason, Adam, Jacob, Zachary, Tony, Nathan, Aaron, Alayna, Benjamin and Jackson; and 18 great-grandchildren.

A Memorial Service will be held on March 1, 2022 at 11am at Prince of Peace Lutheran Church, 13801 Fairview Drive, Burnsville, MN 55337 with visitation 1 hour prior to service. Internment at 2 pm at Ft. Snelling National Cemetery. Memorials preferred to Feed My Starving Children.