Jean Bergstrom

Jean Bergstrom passed away peacefully Tuesday October 28, 2025 in North Augusta, SC. Jean was born in Clay Center Kansas May 10, 1939 to Emil and Mabel Spilker the third of four children.

She grew up in the Clay County area and spent part of her younger years in Lee Summit, MO. The family moved to Clay Center where she graduated high school in 1957. She was active in 4-H and choir. Her passion was showing horses, especially her favorite, Joe R. She married her high school sweetheart, Sheldon Bergstrom on February 15, 1959. Jean earned her Bachelor of Science degree from McPherson College in 1970 while raising three children. She taught chemistry in Wichita, KS prior to the family moving back to Clay Center in 1976. Jean and Sheldon owned and operated Clay Center floral/Bergstrom Greenhouse and Nursery for 40 years. She was active in the community, the United Methodist church, and ladies’ golf. Outside of work, she was an avid sports fan especially when her children and grandchildren were competing.

In 2016, Jean and Sheldon moved to South Carolina to be closer to their children. She is preceded in death by her husband, her parents, her brother Terry Spilker, sister-in-law Barbara Spilker, and sister Darlene Porter.

Survivors include: her daughter Pam (her favorite and #1 child) and husband Lee Hunt; two sons, Chris Bergstrom and wife Marisa; Dallas Bergstrom and wife Shelley, 11 grandchildren, 12 great-grandchildren, and her sister and brother-in-law LeAnn and Wilbert Killman.

A funeral service will be held Saturday December 6, 2025 at 10:30 a.m. at the United Methodist Church, Clay Center. Pastor Reuben Langat will officiate. Burial will follow at the Greenwood Cemetery where she will be laid to rest next to her husband.

Visitation from 9:30 a.m-10:30 a.m. at the church.

Memorial contributions may be made to the Clay Center United Methodist Church or to a scholarship fund in honor of Jean Bergstrom for students attending Southwestern College. Donations can be sent in care of the Neill-Schwensen-Rook Funeral Home. Online condolences may be left at www.nsrfh.com.

To honor her love and life’s work in horticulture, the family suggests a single flower tribute when coming to the service.