Anthony John Bergl

Anthony "Tony" John Bergl, 86, passed away peacefully on Sunday August 20, 2023 after a brave well-fought battle with cancer. He spent his last days, up to his last moment with us, surrounded by family. At his request he was listening to Beethoven's 5th, his very favorite symphony, to the moment of his passing.

Tony was born November 3, 1936 in Regina, Saskatchewan to parents Marie (Maierhoffer) and Anthony Bergl. He graduated from Central High School in 1957 and married Deanna (Guzek) on April 24^th, 1965.

Tony had a long military career starting January 19, 1954 with the Air Force, transitioning to the Air Force Reserve in October of 1957. In January 1962 he joined the Naval Reserve. From November of 1974 until September 1990 he was in the Army National Guard and was very proud of his 36 years serving his country. During this time Tony also enjoyed a career at the Mount Royal Post Office. He started as a clerk and worked his way up to his position as Station Manager until his retirement in 1993.

He was a member of the Owl's Club and the American Legion, and spent time as a Cub Scout leader. Throughout his life he continued to serve by making regular blood donations. It was important to Tony to donate as frequently as he was able, and we hope others will be inspired to continue this legacy. 

In his free time Tony enjoyed many fulfilling hobbies. His early days were filled with travel. He loved sightseeing across America and many countries throughout the world, all documented through photos. Throughout the years he would visit with siblings and extended family who remained in Canada, bringing along his children, and eventually grandchildren. In his long retirement Tony was a voracious reader and loved visiting local libraries for books. He enjoyed the morning crossword, listened to classical music live and on the radio, and completed many puzzles with Deanna. He enjoyed learning about the world around him, and was always improving his exceedingly vast knowledge of airplanes. 

His winters were spent downhill skiing at Spirit Mountain for many hours every day, tackling the hills at shocking speeds. His summers were spent fishing on Lake Superior with his wife, family, friends, or going for joy rides on his boat. Every morning Tony enjoyed a four-mile one-hour power walk around his neighborhood, the sight of which will be missed by many. His grandchildren happily cannot recall a summer, winter, or even a day without these activities. They feel very lucky to have enjoyed tons of time with such an active and fun Grandpa. Most of all, Tony enjoyed spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, talking, laughing, and enjoying each other's company.

Tony is preceded in death by his parents Marie and Anthony, stepfather Carl Bergl, brothers Jack and Carl and his son James Bergl. He is survived by his wife Deanna, daughter Patricia (Robert) Gaertner, son Thomas Bergl, and his grandchildren Molly and Max Gaertner, and Zoey Bergl. 

Services will be held at Dougherty Funeral Home and streamed on their Facebook page starting at 11 AM on Monday August 28, 2023. In lieu of flowers, memorials for Tony are preferred to American Cancer Society and Memorial Blood Centers. 

Burial will be in the MN State Veterans Cemetery, Duluth. Arrangements by Dougherty Funeral Home.  600 E. 2nd St. Duluth, MN 55805.  218-727-3555

Services will be held at Dougherty Funeral Home and streamed on their Facebook page starting at 11 AM https://www.facebook.com/dfhduluth/ with a visitation starting at 10:00 a.m. on Monday August 28, 2023. In lieu of flowers, memorials for Tony are preferred to American Cancer Society and Memorial Blood Centers.