FRANCIS DEAN BERGSTROM

Aug. 16, 1949–Oct. 24, 2024

Francis Dean Bergstrom of Newcastle, Wyoming, passed away October 24, 2024 at the Weston County Hospital.

Dean was born in Newcastle to Max and Lee Bergstrom on August 16, 1949. He was the second child of five. Their family moved to Ray, North Dakota, in 1952, where he attended a rural country school, later moving into town. In 1961, the family moved back to Newcastle. Dean graduated from Newcastle High School in May of 1967 and later took night classes to obtain his associate’s degree from Eastern Wyoming College. He worked for the LAK ranch and Toco Oil Company prior to enlisting in the United States Army in the spring of 1968. He completed basic training at Fort Lewis, Washington and trained in heavy equipment at Fort Leonard Wood, Missouri. Dean was able to see and experience European life during his first tour of duty in Manheim, Germany. In January of 1970, Dean was transferred to Vietnam, where he spent a year with his Engineering Company and earning an E5 rank prior to his honorable discharge. He was proud to have served his country.

After his time in the military, Dean moved to Casper, Wyoming, where he worked for the Benton Clay Bentonite Company. In 1972, he began working for Pacific Power and Light in Glenrock, Wyoming, and had a solid future. He met and began dating Lorna Domina that same year. On May 4, 1973, Dean was in a tragic motorcycle accident that left him paralyzed from mid-chest down for the remaining 51 years of his life. He and Lorna were united in marriage at the First United Methodist Church in Newcastle on February 7, 1974, and began their life together. They were blessed with two sons, Lance, who was born January 10, 1981, and was adopted by Dean and Lorna three months later, and Chad, who was born March 23, 1983. Dean was a wonderful and loving husband, father and grandfather, and a rock-solid foundation for his family until the very end.

The wheelchair never did slow Dean down. He lived a very fulfilling life, surrounded by the love of his family, fun and adventures, hard work, his two boys and three wonderful grandchildren, who kept life interesting. He was a fun and loving grandfather, who taught many lessons, made everlasting memories, and he was always there to cheer them on, whether it was school programs, soccer or rodeo.

One of Dean’s passions was serving the VFW Post 2516 for 30+ years. He served as Quarter Master and enjoyed running Bingo at the hall. Dean was involved and kept books for the Four Corner’s Church. He spent many hours repairing bikes for kids and working in the Newcastle schools in the special education department and as a substitute teacher. He was an avid collector of knives, enjoyed NASCAR racing, archery, music, and he loved telling jokes.

Dean is survived by his wife, Lorna; two sons, Lance Bergstrom and Chad Bergstrom; daughter-in-law, KC Bergstrom; grandchildren, Brock, Addie, and Indy; mother, Lora Lee; siblings, Louann (Jerry) Stolhand, Billy (Wendy) Bergstrom, Debbie (Al) Croom and Wayne Bergstrom; numerous nieces and nephews; brother-in-law, Lonnie Domina; one uncle, Dennie (Helen) Cunningham; and many, many cousins. He was preceded in death by his father, Max William Bergstrom; grandparents Lloyd W. and Mary B. Bergstrom, David L and Laura P. Cunningham; infant granddaughter, Angel Louise Hope; and special Uncle Francis and Aunt Loretta.

Services will be held Friday, Nov. 1 at 10 a.m. at Gateway Fellowship Church.