Helen Marie Bergstrom

Helen Marie Bergstrom, born on November 5, 1934, in Racine, Wisconsin, peacefully passed away on July 14, 2025, surrounded by her loving family. She was the beloved daughter of Samuel, an immigrant from the Netherlands, and Elizabeth Mulder, and shared her childhood with brothers Eugene and Jim, and sisters Joanne, Shirley, and Betty. Helen’s family journeyed from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, to settle in the Pacific Northwest when she was 14 years old, where she forged lasting memories and friendships.

In 1952, Helen married Glen Keller and lovingly welcomed daughters Deb in 1954 and Kim in 1957. She experienced divorce at a young age and courageously raised her daughters as a single mother for 11 years before marrying Cliff Bergstrom, a Sea Captain with the Merchant Marines. Despite his title, Cliff quickly realized that at home, Helen was the Captain. Together, they joyously welcomed their son James in 1969.

Helen devoted herself to her family as a homemaker, creating a warm and welcoming home filled with love, laughter, and the aroma of her cherished meals. Her career in bookkeeping spanned roles at Boeing, Xecks Burner Oils, and a local medical practice, showcasing her meticulous attention to detail and dedication to her work.

Beyond her professional life, Helen’s faith in Jesus Christ was the cornerstone of her life. She asked Jesus into her heart at the age of 14 and sang throughout her life in service to God. Her ministry was in music where she sang in church choirs, nursing homes, jail ministries, and ran Bible studies for seniors. Psalm 91 was one of her favorite verses, a source of comfort and strength that she faithfully prayed over her entire family.

Helen’s home was a sanctuary of hospitality, where she delighted in hosting family and friends for pool parties and poolside Bible studies. Her passion for music and the gospel, along with her son’s drums, reverberated through the decades in her basement, filled with harmonious melodies that uplifted all who entered. She enjoyed the simple pleasures of life, from her love of horses and westerns to her fondness for watching Gunsmoke.

In her final years, Helen lovingly packed away cherished memories, carefully preserving them to share with her loved ones. She is survived by her sisters, Betty and Shirley, and her children, Debbie, Kim, and James, along with her six grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, as well as many nieces and nephews. Helen Marie Bergstrom’s life was a testament to faith, resilience, and unconditional love, leaving an enduring impact on all who had the privilege of knowing her. We love and miss her greatly.