Donald Roy Bergren April 22, 1938 - November 3, 2025
Born to Madeline and Roy Bergren in Chicago IL (Swedish Covenant Hospital). He grew up in Des Plaines and was the adored grandson of Frithiof Berg. Don graduated from Maine East High School in 1956 where he met life long friends and his future first wife, Barbara. They married in 1961 and had two children: Joanne in 1965 and Jeff in 1967.
Don never met a stranger and was able to strike up a conversation with anyone. He had an excellent sense of humor and loved to laugh. He was an accomplished photographer and wood worker and he loved cars. Don enjoyed coin collecting, fishing, golfing, bowling, raising angel fish, car shows and boating.
He taught both his sisters and his children how to ride a bike and drive a stick shift car. Don shared his passion for fixing and making things with his hands with his kids and he loved a group project. He was an enthusiastic fan of auto racing, air shows, the musical group Abba and the Chicago Bears. Don and Jeff attended NASCAR races together all over the country. He even drove a NASCAR and had bragging rights for going 150mph which was 1.5mph faster than son Jeff.
Don met Sharon Hern in a bowling league and they married in 1991. He embraced her daughters Melissa and Marlo into the blended family. Don and Sharon enjoyed a rich social life with their newly made friends (The Dirty Dozen) in Del Webb including block parties, dinners and sharing drinks on the drive. They loved spending time with family and watching their daughters and son flourish and their grandkids grow into amazing adults. They vacationed with Joanne and Mike in France, Hawaii with friends, many cruises with Melissa and Brian and lots of visits to Michigan, Connecticut, Las Vegas, Colorado, Arizona, Florida and Texas to be
with family.
Don worked hard his whole life and was always repairing, making or tinkering with something. There wasn’t anything that he couldn’t fix around the house or by giving instructions over the phone to someone with a problem. Don was always there to lend a helping hand including rescuing family or friends with car trouble no matter where they were stranded. Don was working as an auto mechanic at Ladendorf Oldsmobile when he was drafted into the Army where he served from 1961-1963. Upon completion of service Don continued to work in the service department of several dealerships, eventually moving up to the position of service manager. His favorite job, however, was as building and facilities manager for the Des Plaines Park District.
Beloved husband, brother, father, grandfather - survived by wife Sharon Bergren; sisters Marlene Carlson, Suzanne (David) Martinez; daughter Joanne Bergren (Michael Mirsky), son Jeff (Karen) Bergren, Daughters by marriage Melissa (Brian) Latta and Marlo (Dave) Perciabosco; nieces Kim (Scott) Clark and Katherine Martinez (Jen Strycker); Granddaughters Stephanie (Tyler) Barker, Amanda Bergren (Kevin Ladd), Emma (Adam) Rewerts, Grace (Christian) Kasal, Anna Mirsky and Katya Mirsky.
Don was a proud and caring father, loving and supportive brother, attentive and doting grandfather, a devoted and loving husband and a dependable friend. His legacy and memory will live on in all who knew and loved him.
Visitation will be held November 22, 2025 from 11:00 a.m. –12:30 p.m., followed by a service at 12:30 p.m., all at DeFiore Funeral Home, 10763 Dundee Road, Huntley.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to:
American Macular Degeneration Foundation, https://www.macular.org or BrightFocus Foundation, https://www.brightfocus.org.
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My deepest sincerest condolences to the Bergen family. I’m so so very sorry for your loss. Keeping you in our prayers and hearts.
Jeff and Karen so sorry for your loss . Prayers to you and your families during this difficult time.
Our hearts go out to you and your family. You took such amazing care of your dad—he must have felt so loved and proud of you. Wishing you comfort and peace.