PATRICK BERGNER

Patrick M. Bergner of Appleton, age 58, was carried in Jesus' arms into Heaven on Tuesday, November 15, 2022. As declared in one of his favorite songs “Shoulders” by For King & Country, in his last moments he felt no fear, knowing that God was near. He was born May 10, 1964 in Appleton to the late Dale and Mary (Flanigan) Bergner. He graduated from Xavier High School in 1982. Pat served his country when he signed up for the army reserves in the early 80's. He was honorably discharged from service, in pursuit of his future career. For more than 30 years, he owned and operated his ceramic tile business: Select Tile. He served each customer with a unique, personal touch and would always go the extra mile to ensure they are able to enjoy their surroundings for a long time to come. Although he never stopped serving his customers through his business, for the last couple of years he has been employed with Multi-Color Corporation in Neenah.

On October 2, 1993, Pat married Barbara Trams on a pier in Oshkosh, with their cherished friend and pastor, Jeff Prewitt, officiating. It was a cold day with their white tent blowing in the wind, but inside was filled with the warmth of love and joy. He felt so honored that God blessed him on that day, not only with his soul mate, but also with two wonderful children whom he raised as his own. Throughout their life together, Pat and Barb were further blessed with two more children and enjoyed many adventures. In addition to creating an abundance of memories, they enjoyed finding heart shaped rocks wherever they went. Pat was fun loving and always up for any antics that may come to mind, from declaring a flame and lobster tail at the Melting Pot as “his buddy Raul” to enlisting any traffic cone he saw as “one of his men”. The greatest joy in his life was time spent with his family, be it a holiday, wedding, or backyard campfires and play dates with his grandchildren. He always enjoyed food, in particular ice cream, which went to a “separate compartment” in his stomach that was never full.

Pat was a faithful member of New Hope Lutheran Church, where he led a youth group (F.R.O.G.S.) with his wife for many years. He also participated in the Sunday Night Men's Gathering and Bible Study and was always ready to serve in any way needed. He served as an usher in the early years of attendance, and never really stopped as he would often ‘arrive late' due to his strong desire to welcome people and connect with others. His great love and kindness for his family was extended to anyone he met. Whether it be through a joke, smile, hug, or giving of his earthly possessions, he never thought twice about caring for others.

Pat will be dearly missed by his best friend, travel companion, and love of his life Barb Bergner; “all his favorite” children: Nichole (Josh) Arnoldussen, Travis Nett, Emily (Blake) Runnoe, and Amanda Bergner; and his treasured grandchildren: Colton, Oliver, and Theo Arnoldussen. His memory carries on in his siblings, whom he loved: Bob (Andrea) Bergner, Gail (Tim) Rowe, Nancy (Art) Dellenger, and Jean (Jim) Hietpas; along with his sisters-in-law: Linda (Joe) Ashauer, Corrine (Chris) Thompson. He is further survived by nieces and nephews: Terry Snelling, Scott (Aysia) Snelling, and Jody Stinson, Brent (Ashley) Keith, Nichole Madison, Ryan (Amber) Bergner, Wes (Hannah), Nick (Elle), Scott (Molly), and Kyle Hietpas, Julie Trams, Angie (Brett) Cartwright, David Trams, Tyler Thompson, and Brianna Ashauer. His dear friends and fellow “Eagles”, Dave and Jen Ellis, will continue their adventures with Barb until they're able to fly together in Heaven someday. He was also loved by so many special great-nieces and nephews, along with countless other family and friends. Pat treated so many people as family and will be missed by all!

Pat was preceded in death by his brothers-in-law Tim Ahrens and Hap Snelling, nephew Danny Snelling, parents-in-law Curt and Paddy Trams; brother-in-law Lenny Trams; nephew Jon Trams; along with his siblings-in-law and fellow “Musketeers” Duane and Dawn Trams. He was also preceded by an angel grandbaby, whom he can now hold for eternity.

Family and friends are invited to come together for a service in celebration of Pat's life at 12:30 PM on Saturday, November 26, 2022 at New Hope Lutheran Church (1850 American Drive, Neenah) with Rev. Jeff Prewitt officiating. Visitation will be held at the church from 10:30 AM until the time of service. In lieu of flowers, please consider a contribution to the Bergner family via the GoFundMe page, lovingly arranged by friends, to help ease the burden of this tragic loss.

The family would like to extend a heartfelt thank you to Pastor Jeff and Laurie Prewitt and all of New Hope Church and School for their outpouring of love and support during this time. Words cannot express the comfort we've received through the prayers and kindness of all our family and friends.

But those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.

They will soar on wings like eagles;

they will run and not grow weary;

they will walk and not be faint.

~Isaiah 40:31~