Donald R. Bergner

Donald R. Bergner of Green Bay, passed away suddenly on Friday, February 17, 2023, at his home. He was born October 4, 1927 in Bonduel, son of the late Emil and Lillian (Koch) Bergner. He moved to Rio Creek in 1941, and graduated from Casco High School in 1945. Don served in the United States Army, and was part of the Signal Corps from 1946 to 1947. He attended Oshkosh State Teachers College for a year and the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay for a year. He moved to Green Bay in 1947.

Don married Shirley Mae Verheyden on July 10, 1954 at St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church. They had a wonderful marriage of 44 years. Shirley preceded Don in death.  In 2000 he started spending time with a special woman, Patti, going to Packers games, Grand Cayman Island and gambling.

He worked at Marketing Association of America for 2 years, Dept. of Agriculture (Animal Health Div.) for 17 1/2 years, and owned and operated Sportsman Supper Club and Motel in Green Bay for 30 years. He retired in 1995 and moved to Sturgeon Bay (Rileys Point) to be near the best fishing area around. 

He enjoyed fishing in the Sturgeon Bay area, Canada, Lake Erie, Shawano Lake, and the Wolf River with Mike Bosaniac. Don also enjoyed hunting with his brittany spaniels and his friends Russ and Paul for pheasants in Iowa, and deer hunting with his cousin Duwayne (who was like a brother to Don) and Debra. He liked gambling, making many trips to Las Vegas with Ray and Bev Kroll, playing cribbage, and more recently gambling at Oneida Casino. Don also had a great bowling career, winning a Ray Mihm Award. Don was an avid Packers and Chicago Cubs fan his whole life. When he could, he would travel with Jerry and Rosie Voelker and their Polka Band. Don was known for his famous chicken booyah and smoked and pickled fish.

Survivors include cousins, nieces, nephews and many dear friends.

He was preceded in death by his wife and parents.

Family and friends may visit St. Philip the Apostle Catholic Church, 312 Victoria St., Green Bay, on Saturday, February 25, 2023, from 8:30 a.m. until the hour of Polka Mass at 10:30 a.m. Entombment will be in the Shrine of the Good Shepherd Mausoleum.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to the American Heart Association.