George Bergdorf

1934 - 2025

George Leslie Bergdorf

October 18, 1934 - October 29, 2025

Riverton, UT - George Leslie Bergdorf, passed away peacefully due to complications from sepsis October 29, 2025, with his sons by his side.

Born October 18, 1934, in Newport, Washington, to Henry and Ester Bergdorf, "Little Georgie" spent his childhood terrorizing the community of Priest River, Idaho with his main partner in crime Ronnie Ropp. The two often could be found blowing out the windows of the science class with an experiment gone awry, burning bugs (and even a classmate's hair) with a magnifying glass, or out in the woods hunting just about anything that walks, crawls, slithers, or flies. As the youngest of 8 children (3 much older brothers and 4 sisters), George and his special companion Spotty Dog, would often join up with Ronnie and head out into the woods at the family farm for a day of mischief and marksmanship.

After high school graduation, George began classes to become an aircraft mechanic, and with the Korean War wrapping up and Vietnam still years away, he joined the Marine Corps in 1954 on a rare 2 year enlistment. After basic, George was given the opportunity to further his development and mechanic skills, eventually becoming a crew chief on the AD-4 Skyraider.

While on leave from the Corps, George decided to take his sister Vivian to the Marine Corps Ball one November. Viv was running late and asked George to go pick up the babysitter while she finished getting ready. Without a second thought, he arrived at the house of John and Viola Pivar wearing his Dress Blues with his infamous twinkling eyes. When young Joani rounded the corner and saw that young Marine, their fates were sealed for the next 67 years. They were married in April 1961 and welcomed their two sons Edward John in 1962 and Jeffrey Scott in 1965.

Upon honorable discharge from the Marine Corps, George studied hard to become a train engineer for the Great Northern Railroad, and after 39 years and multiple company mergers, retired from the Burlington Northern Santa Fe Railroad in 1995. George cherished is time as a "jarhead" and "billy goat," telling his boys and grandchildren many stories about his younger years and the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance.

In 1993, George and Joan built their dream home on the family farm in Priest River, ID, where they worked tirelessly maintaining the orchard, garden, flowers, cattle, horses, and family legacy. When Joani's health issues required skilled assistance, George insisted on moving with her to Rathdrum, Idaho, and upon her passing in 2024, relocated to South Jordan, Utah to be closer to family. Although only residing in Utah for 17 short months, George once again made his mark on all he came into contact. His matter of fact way of saying just about anything, and mischievous twinkle won the hearts of all who were blessed to know him.

Proceeded in death by his parents, 3 brothers, and 3 sisters, George is survived by his sister Rosemary (Founds) of Lewiston, ID; son Edward (Nancy) Bergdorf of Everett, WA; son Jeff (Dori) Bergdorf of Riverton, UT; four grandchildren: Kelsi (Jared) Pullan, Matthew Bergdorf, Alexander Bergdorf, and Christian Bergdorf; as well as three great grandchildren: Kolt, Natalie, and Hunter Pullan.

George and Joan are once again and forever together. They will be interred at Evergreen Cemetery in Priest River, ID at a service to be scheduled in the summer of 2026. A Celebration of Life will follow at the family farm for all who loved and cherished these two wonderful people.