Wilma J. Bergan

Wilma J. Bergan passed away on Friday, August 26, 2022 at Eventide Heartland Care Center, Devils Lake at the age of 96. 

Wilma Jean Bergan was born June 15, 1926 at Tellico Plains, Tennessee, the daughter of Frank and Loie (Akins) Patterson.  She was educated at Maryville High School in Blount County, TN.  She worked for a few years for the aluminum Company of American in Alcoa TN.

Wilma moved to Arizona and this is where she met her future husband while she was working at a hotel and Marlen was in the military. Wilma was united in marriage to Marlen L. Bergan on July 17, 1953. The established their home in Devils Lake where they lived and worked through the years. Marlen died on December 13, 2005.

Wilma was the first police woman in Devils Lake. She also worked for the North Dakota Highway Patrol. After retiring from law enforcement, she worked for the Continental Telephone for 18 years. She worked for a time at Mercy Hospital and for Dr. Hocking. She and her husband also owned and operated the Auction Barn.  Wilma enjoyed working, meeting new people and spending time with co-workers.

In retirement, Wilma spent her time gardening, sewing and playing Bingo.

Wilma treasured family and in these years since the death of Marlen has many dear friends she considered family which include Marlys Sollin, Jan Legacie and Terry and Patty Wallace. 

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband Marlen, in-law Leander and Alma Bergan, and dear friend Kay Griffin.

An open house celebration of Wilma's life will be held on Wednesday, August 31, 2022 from 4:00 p.m. until 6:00 p.m. at the Gilbertson Funeral Home, Devils Lake with burial in the North Viking Cemetery, rural Maddock ND.