Ruth Bergstrom

Bergstrom, Ruth Elizabeth Ruth Bergstrom passed away on December 7, 2007. Ruth was the last of her family, being preceded in death by a sister, Esther Schumann of Cokato, a brother, Gotthard Lagerstedt of Montevideo, and three half-siblings, John Bergstrom of Wisconsin, Albin Bergstrom of DeSmet, South Dakota and Clara Elving of Tyler, Minnesota. Ruth was born in Erwin, South Dakota to Olga and Andrew Bergstrom. Her mother, Olga, was born in Sweden and had immigrated as a young woman to the United States to enroll in nurses training, then married Andrew. They lived in several small towns in South Dakota before settling in Beresford where Andrew was in the lumber business. After a small town childhood and completion of high school, Ruth went first to St. Olaf College, then transferred to Yankton College, focusing on music education. Her teaching career was always varied as she initially taught in small towns; French, Latin, English, speech, and business practices, even basketball for girls. After the death of her father, Ruth moved with her mother to Minneapolis, where she taught at the Minnesota School of Business, and later substitute taught in both of the Twin Cities, traveling always by bus. Towards the end of her teaching career she moved to Forest City, Iowa, where she taught business practices and music classes at Waldorf College. She was proud to say she had taught for a total of 44 years. Until the end of her life, she remained current on political affairs in the nation and world. She was always an avid listener to music, particularly classical, on records or radio. She was also a great conversationalist, enjoying her many visitors, and the exchange of news and ideas. She will be greatly missed by family and friends. At her wish, and in her honor, a private memorial service has been held.
This obituary was originally published in the Star Tribune.