Rodger Neil Bergland

In Loving Memory of Rodger Neil Bergland March 2, 1944 - March 23, 2026 Rodger Neil Bergland, 82, of Blaine, Minnesota, passed away peacefully on March 23, 2026, following a courageous 23-year journey through various health challenges. Through every battle, his steadfast faith in Jesus and his unwavering love for his family remained his guiding lights. Early Life and Service Rodger was born on March 2, 1944, in Graceville, Minnesota, to Rolland and Edna Bergland. Growing up in Clinton, Minnesota, and Big Stone City, South Dakota, with his parents and sisters Sally and Beth, he developed the values of hard work and devotion that defined his life. In 1958, he met the love of his life, Judy Rasmussen. They were united in marriage on December 31, 1961, and recently celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary-a beautiful testament to a lifetime of devotion. In 1961, Rodger answered the call of duty and joined the United States Navy. He served honorably in Japan and Vietnam aboard the destroyer USS Turner Joy. Career and Interests Returning to civilian life in 1965, Rodger and Judy moved to Minneapolis with their family. He began his career as a punch press operator at Dayton Rogers, later transitioning into engineering as a detail draftsman. His talent for precision led him to Northwest Tool, where he designed plastic injection molds. In 1982, his expertise culminated in becoming a co-owner and Vice President of Engineering at Advance Tool, Inc. until his retirement in 2000 at age 55. Rodger was a man of many talents and hobbies. He used his carpentry skills to renovate and expand the family cabin on Eagle Lake, which served as a cherished refuge from 1986 until 2012. He loved traveling on cruises and fishing trips with Judy, exploring Europe and England, and was known for his competitive games of Scrabble-often played with his own custom rules. When he wasn't in his workshop, Rodger loved playing cards with family and friends, as well as reading and watching movies and television shows. He also loved taking his grandchildren fishing and spending time with them at the cabin or anywhere. Faith and Legacy In 1982, Rodger and Judy became active members of Trinity, St. Francis and in 1998, members of Family of Christ Lutheran Church in Ham Lake. Rodger's faith was the cornerstone of his life; he relished philosophical, faith-based conversations and served as a spiritual anchor for everyone who knew him. Rodger is preceded in death by his parents, Rollie and Edna Bergland; his sister, Beth Conrad-Smart; and three beloved grandsons, Dominic Bergland, Adam Bergland, and Joshua Nustad. He is survived by his devoted wife, Judy Bergland; his children, Kim Bergland, Scott Bergland, and Joy Bergland; his sister, Sally (Ken) Fisher; his sister-in-law Janet (Doug) Olson; his grandchildren, Jeremiah Marshall, Amanda Bergland, Ethan Nustad, and Andrew Bergland; step-grandchildren, Jason Graff, Johnathan Graff, and Jay Wedam; and great-grandchildren, Kaylee Turner, Kiara Turner, Krystal Turner, and Emmanuel Marshall-Bergland. He also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, cousins, and lifelong groups of close-knit friends, including the Hudson, Rutherford, Cook, Svendahl, Meyer, Stevens, Bies-Foss, Kazemba, Marohn, and Magoris families, as well as so many more friends and colleagues. Acknowledgments The family extends a special thank you to the incredible care and hospice team at Ecumen in North Branch, Minnesota. They provided excellent care over the last seven months, treating Rodger with the utmost respect and dignity. Though we feel the weight of his absence, we take comfort in knowing he is safe in the arms of Jesus, finally free from pain. His legacy of faith, love, and strength lives on in those he left behind. Service Information Celebration of Life Service: April 11, 2026 Location: Family of Christ Lutheran Church, 16345 Polk St. NE, Ham Lake, MN Gathering Hour: 2:00 PM ' Service: 3:00 PM Following the service, please join the family for a reception featuring cupcakes, ice cream, and other treats -all of Rodger's favorites.

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Rodger Neil Bergland

March 2, 1944 - March 23, 2026

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