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Dave Bergman
1953 - 2015
Dave Bergman
1953 - 2015
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1953
DIED
2015
Dave Bergman Obituary
The Tigers extended condolences Monday to Bergman's family, calling him "as spirited a person as he was a player."
No cause of death was given.
A first baseman and outfielder, Bergman spent nine seasons in Detroit, where he arrived via trade in 1984.
He had a career-high 44 RBIs in helping the Tigers win their first World Series since 1968.
Bergman was selected by the New York Yankees in the second round of the 1974 draft and made his big league debut a year later.
In 17 years, he hit .258 with 54 home runs and 289 RBIs in his career. He also played for the Astros and Giants.
The Evanston, Illinois, native was involved in Detroit-area youth baseball and founded the Grosse Pointe Redbirds.
He is survived by his wife and three children.
Copyright © 2015 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
69 Entries
George Laios
June 24, 2017
I remember Dave from his Astro days, playing winter ball in Puerto Rico. I was an air traffic controller down there and he and I played alot of golf together. He aiways beat me. I remember him as one of the friendliest and most outgoing guys. We lost touch after a few years and I have often thought of our times in sunny P.R. God bless his soul and his family.
June 30, 2015
My sincere condolences at this difficult time.Waiting for God's time.To awake those dear. Their voices once again we' hear. ( Mark 5:42).......(CA)
How you can show support
June 10, 2015
John 11:33 says: "When Jesus saw her weeping and the Jews who had come with her weeping and groaning, he groaned within himself and became troubled." Jesus expressed tears when his friend Lazarus died, he knows how it feels to lose a dead loved one and he understands what you and your family are experiencing. May this bring you and your family comfort in this time of need. cjp (fla.)
February 26, 2015
Dear Family,
Throw your burdens on God and he will sustain you ( Psalms 55 : 22 ).
With heartfelt sympathy.
February 24, 2015
My sincerest condolences to your family. May God comfort you through this most difficult time. (James 4:8)
michelle plakas-kaiser
February 15, 2015
rip
February 14, 2015
Met Dave at Illinois State when I was a batting practice pitcher for the redbirds. What a nice guy, always taking time for us 'little guys'.
Joe Bick
February 10, 2015
RIP Dave Bergman. You were a fine, fine man, a true warrior and it was truly an honor to consider you a friend. I will deeply miss our conversations, treasure those that we had, and forever wish I could have taken you up on at least one of your many fishing trip invitations. Our love and sincere condolences to all the Bergman family.
Judy Thompson
February 8, 2015
I was so sorry to hear of Dave's passing. He was my favorite Detroit Tiger, since the '84 Tigers. I'm sending my deepest sympathy to his family, he will be missed. I'll forever be his fan.
Judy Thompson,
East Leroy, MI
February 7, 2015
GOD BLESS YOU,
UNTIL YOU MEET AGAIN IN HEAVEN.
Dan McGrath
February 7, 2015
Dave was as good a man as I've known in baseball. Deepest sympathy to his family.
Tish Boucher Jones
February 7, 2015
Cathy, I'm so sad. I was devastated to hear of Daves passing just today. I would think of you all so often over the years and remember fondly first meeting in Oneonta over 40 years ago. It was a joy to meet up with him each time he was in NY, and catch up on all the news of you and the children. Sending much love and many prayers to you and your family, and may your sweet husband rest in peace. God Bless.
February 6, 2015
To the Bergman Family,
Our deepest condolences for your loss.
Johnny Bergman, one of the great young teachers who I am fortunate to have met at Molloy School in Illinois, has always talked very highly of his Uncle Dave, and I know he will be greatly missed.
Our prayers are with you all.
Al and Karen Martin and the Martin Family
February 6, 2015
Cathy, we were deeply saddened to hear of Dave's passing! Our hearts are heavy for you and your family and we are continuing to keep you in prayer! It was so nice to see Dave at the last CATCH fundraiser and "catch" up on old times! How time has flown from the days when are children were small. Tiffany has shared so many wonderful memories of being at your loving home. Your faith is to be admired and we know that is what will get you through this. Lean on Him!! Dave has walked through the valley of death but he is now in the loving arms of Jesus...healed! Praise God! We send our deepest condolences...we love you al!! Chuck and Susan Gaidica and family
Mark Eickmann
February 6, 2015
Kathy and family, Dave was a great friend who always put others first. The kindness he showed me and my son was unbelievable. He was a great person and hopefully knowing that helps ease the sorrow just a little bit. Please know that I am praying for God to help you through this difficult time.
Mark Eickmann
SPH
February 6, 2015
I always admired Dave Bergman's approach to the game of Baseball. He was the model of consistency.
Catch up with you in the cornfield, Dave.
debora
February 5, 2015
Rest in peace my good friend
February 5, 2015
Cathy,
Our deepest sympathies to you and your family. He was an honorable and respected man, a great teammate and great friend to so many. You will remain in our thoughts and prayers.
Mitch and Debbie Nowicki
J. LP
February 5, 2015
Dave Bergman - Great player and full of tenacity! He left a legacy of good games and joyful memories for those of us that enjoy baseball and those friends who cherished him dearly. My sincere condolences to his wife and kids for the loss of their dear husband, friend, and father. Psalms 9:9 - May our loving God in the heavens grant them the strength and comfort to deal with this difficult moment.
The Whitt's
February 5, 2015
Our thoughts and prayers are with your family in this time of sorrow
ernie whitt
February 5, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
February 5, 2015
My sincerest condolences, May you find comfort to remember God is near those broken at heart, and to those crushed in spirit he saves. Let your memories always remain.
February 5, 2015
my thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time thank you a Tiger fan
tim mcnichol
February 5, 2015
I remember Dave as a Syracuse Chief way way back in the 70's. RIP
ADM
February 5, 2015
May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.
Paul Gibson
February 4, 2015
Cathy
Our thoughts and prayers are with you and the entire family. Bergie made such an impression on me in my early Tiger years in which he taught me what a "big leaguer" really is. He will be missed by all of us who had the opportunity to call him a teammate.
Paul and Carla Gibson
Jeff Shoemaker
February 4, 2015
I knew Dave in high school and he is only one of few people I knew that fulfilled in boyhood dream, playing pro ball. My condolences to the family
mickey doyle
February 4, 2015
sally sterr is my sister and dave took her sons under his wing when there dad died. I was a friend of daves from the gym and stclair shores, a really, really good person, and will be deaply missed a friend mickey doyle
Frank Fichera
February 4, 2015
Cathy I loved being around him....he handled success better than anyone I've ever known.God's peace to your family.
Karen and Joe Lopiparo
February 4, 2015
Dear Cathy and family, When Joe and I got the new our hearts were broken. What a wonderful husband, father,and friend. We will cherish the memories that we all shared. Joe always looked up to Dave as his mentor. and big brother. The miles may have seperated us all these years, but you have all always been in our hearts, and prayers. He was a larger than life man, good in every way. We are blessed to have had him in our lives. Sending all our love.
Dorothy and Jim Davis
February 4, 2015
To the Bergman family: My brother and I attended Detroit Tigers' Fantasy Camp last January. We were so fortunate to have spent a week with Bergie. One of the humblest and most thoughtful human beings I have met--and yes, this could be evidenced in just one short week. Even though he was ill, his sense of humour prevailed. He told stories and shared his time with everyone. We have been praying for his recovery for the past year and were so saddened to hear of his death. The world has lost a shining star: both on the field and off.
Linda Jacobs
February 4, 2015
Cathy,
So sad to hear of this. You and Dave were a big part of our lives back in the Astros Days. We will miss him terribly, he was truly a great man, did wonderful things and most important loved his family. All our love.
February 4, 2015
Cathy and family - what a loss of a wonderful man! Will always take the memories of Dave with me..... our deepest condolences to you at this time - we are praying for you daily --- Rich and Sue Olson
Judy and Dave Fooks
February 4, 2015
Sympathies to the family from grateful Tiger fans.
February 4, 2015
My heartfelt sympathies go out to the family and friends during this difficult time. I hope that the promise found in 1 Thessalonians 4:14 can bring you some comfort. Knowing that there is a future for the ones we have lost in death can be so reassuring.
Evette
February 4, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Nancy Cromwell
February 4, 2015
I am sorry to hear of the recent passing of your family member. He brought joy to many in the baseball world and will be greatly missed. May the God of all comfort (Psalms 83:18) be your crag and stronghold (Psalms 18:2)during this difficult time. Once more I am sorry for your loss.
February 4, 2015
May your household find peace and comfort in knowing sickness, pain and death will one day be gone for this has been promised. With my deepest condolences for your loss.
February 4, 2015
Lord rest, Dave.
Lorraine Swanson
February 4, 2015
The Swanson family extends our deepest sympathies to the Bergmans. My parents, Herb and Rita Swanson, were close friends of Dave's parents, Don and Gloria. I'll never forget graduating from college and becoming a stringer for the local Des Plaines and Park Ridge paper. I was able to snag an interview with Dave, who had just finished the playoffs with the Houston Astros, a "hometown boy makes good" kind of story. Dave gave me a great interview and spent a lot of time talking to me. The story landed on the front page and it was my first big story. Reading all the wonderful tributes about Dave's generosity, class and elegance doesn't surprise me. He was a good man. Prayers to the Bergman family.
Terry Granahan
February 4, 2015
From the first day I met him He just led. His team, friends and everything about him was all about him was someone you wanted to follow. Always proud to be in his company and that was amazing to think that about someone who was 20 years old. WHAT A HUSBAND, FATHER AND WHAT A CARRER. Love you Bergy,
terry Granahan
February 4, 2015
I as a college friend and fellow troglodyte loved Bergy. Every day Dave played in the bigs We all opened up the sports page to see his stats from the previous day's game, which always kept him close to us. From the first time anyone met him He simply led. He always seemed to have everyone looking up to him. It was truly amazing to have that talent at 19. LOVE YOU DAVE
February 3, 2015
Cathy, I am an old friend of Dave's from Park Ridge and Maine South. I am very sorry to hear about Dave's passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you and your family
Mike Bonk
A fan
February 3, 2015
One of the greatest Illinois State baseball players of all time. Dave was a class act at every level and the ISU family mourns his passing. God bless you and your family Dave!
February 3, 2015
Cathy, we were saddened by the news that our good friend Dave passed away. We enjoy our years playing baseball together. Carol and I enjoyed watching your children grow up by way of the Christmas Cards we received from you though the years. We will miss him dearly. I learned the news today from Mac and Poli. Our prayers are with you and your family. Steve and Carol Coulson
February 3, 2015
To Cathy and the entire Bergman family; Sorry to hear of the loss of Dave. I only knew Dave for a few years at ISU but, in that short period of time, it was evident that Dave was a special person, both on the field and off. I am glad full that I was fortunate to know both of you. May God bless all of you.
Dave Berg, ISU track runner in 70s
skm
February 3, 2015
Thank you, Dave Bergman. We loved our 1984 Tigers, and you were so much a part of that. RIP
Lloyd Scott
February 3, 2015
I remember Dave Bergman when he played for the Giants. He is only a year older than me. Prayers for he and his family. Sad loss.
1 Corinthians 15:26
February 3, 2015
May the God of Comfort support this family in their time of grief.
Jeni and Tom Dinkel
February 3, 2015
A blessing for Dave and his family. God let Dave touch each of our hearts in many ways. A loving father, husband, and grandfather taken from all of us much to soon. The peace of the Lord is with you now.
mike wilsey
February 3, 2015
very sorry cathy, not sure if you remember me, but you and dave are two folks i'll remember, a good guy that's it a good guy
ROD
February 3, 2015
Sad to learn about the loss of Dave Bergman. My condolences to the Bergman family. I enjoyed watching his talents on the baseball field. He was a true champion. May God strengthen and provide a measure of peace to his family during this difficult time-Rom.15:33.
Wright
February 3, 2015
To the Bergman family: Our heartfelt condolences. May the God of comfort, comfort the family, friends, colleagues, and fans.
Agnes Freed
February 3, 2015
Awe .... angels to the family!
Dave Pernie
February 3, 2015
Dave was one of the classiest men to ever don the Tiger uniform. Never heard a bad word about him. God bless you Dave, and your family.
vjw
February 3, 2015
May the family and friends feel the comfort and peace that comes from our loving God at this time of sorrow.
February 3, 2015
To the entire Bergman family I would like to express my deepest condolence. Dave was a great person and I enjoyed getting to know him and his family years ago. His enthusiasm on and off the field was unmatched. Everyone should say a prayer thanking that we all had a chance to know Dave. Sincerely, Dan McDonnell
James Mitchell
February 3, 2015
I've been a Tigers fan for many years. I appreciate Dave's time with Detroit and always felt he was a great player. Sad to hear he has died much too soon.
Harry Simpson
February 3, 2015
Thank you for sharing a part of your life with us.
February 3, 2015
Dear Kathy and Family
Our prayers and thoughts are with you on the passing of Bergie. Always thought he was a class man. He always thought of others first. Again may God bless you and the family at this time.
Sincerely,
Mike Bonczyk
Cindy Freitas
February 3, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
February 3, 2015
Our thoughts go out to the Bergman family. He was a great team player and cared about his family and other people.
February 3, 2015
A class act who represented the tigers well! Modern day athlete should see how Dave acted, and take some notes. Thanks for the memories Dave, you will be missed. May you rest in peace.
Scott Chamberland
February 3, 2015
Please accept my Deepest Sympathies
DS
February 3, 2015
May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.
Sue Kennedy
February 3, 2015
He was truly a great player , person and most of cared about his community. What he did for baseball and his charities was outstanding. He always made time for the fans. I had the pleasure of being around him during his many charity functions. We will miss you Dave and "Thank You" for always being the great man that you are !
Robert Singer
February 2, 2015
Will always be remembered for fouling off about a dozen pitches before hitting 3 run homer to win game vs. Toronto in 1984. Enjoyed seeing him at Tigers fantasy camps. RIP Dave.
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