Joan Claire "Hansen" Bergner

Joan Claire Bergner, age 88, entered heaven on Saturday, March 14, 2026.

She was born to Lucille Mary (Jolly) and Gerald Leslie Hansen on July 15, 1937 as the second of

four children, including brother Eugene Robert "Gene" (Sally) Hansen (1932), brother Glen Howard

"Buck" (Diane) Hansen (1939), and brother Gerald Leslie Jr. "Jerry" (Jean) Hansen (1941). Sadly,

she missed out on growing up with two sisters as they died as infants, Lois Ann (1933) and Janet

Lee (1934).

She enjoyed her childhood in many ways and had loving family all around her, even though her

parents divorced when she was nine years old, and her mom had to work many hours as a

seamstress (and a very good one) to make ends meet. Amazingly, she met the future love of her life

and husband of 62 years, Don Bergner, when he came to her 13th birthday party on a Cushman

motor bike (he was 15)! They dated on and off throughout high school and after for a total of 10

years before getting married on October 24, 1959 at St. Patrick church in Green Bay.

They bought their first home in 1961 and began building a family and life together. It was a little

G.I. house on Oakland Avenue in Green Bay which they completely remodeled and redecorated with

the help of her mother.

Scott Alan was born just 10 months after they married in 1960, followed by Sondra Gail in 1962,

Joseph Lee in 1964 and Anthony Jay in 1966.

Beginning in those early years, Joan enjoyed bowling, biking, antique shopping, homemaking,

restoring furniture, camping, dancing with Don to Big Band music-especially Glenn Miller-and

dinner out on the town. She was also an avid reader throughout her lifetime, devouring literally

thousands of books, right up until the end.

The Bergner home of the 70's was a "wonder years" era of trips up north to our trailer in the

woods or grandma's cottage on Rose Lake for fishing and swimming, and the occasional road trip

vacation in the family station wagon. Dad was always at the helm, safely carting his family to their

destination, occasionally stretching his arm over the seat to try to swat out whatever fights were

brewing in the back.

Joan was primarily a homemaker throughout her life, but did also work periodically. Her first

job (besides babysitting) was at a beauty shop, cleaning combs and brushes, picking up hair pins,

etc. She hated it! She also worked at Woolworth's dime store selling records and cards. After

training to become a nurse's aide, she worked at Bellin Hospital with the goal of becoming an RN,

until a back injury prevented her from that pursuit. She then worked at Red Owl corporate offices

as a private secretary. After the kids were in school, she worked as a pediatrician's assistant, a Medical Security. She also spent 26 years as an Avon representative.

In retirement, she and Don got heavily involved in the Ashwaubenon Volunteers in Policing

(VIP) program. For nearly 20 years, they enjoyed volunteering in the court system, helping direct

traffic at Packers games, cleaning highways, and other services. It was a wonderful time of fun and

fellowship with many friendships forged with police and other volunteers.

Sadly, Don began to suffer the early stages of Alzheimer's around 2005 and lived another 16

years until passing in September of 2021. Joan was there caring for him the whole time. Perhaps

one of the hardest things for her to endure was for him to have forgotten her, their family and his

life. But in a miracle of lucidity shortly before he passed, Don remembered her. Though difficult to

understand, he clearly said at one point, "Joanie, she's a good girl." It was evident to us that God was

watching over him and desired for this comforting connection to be made before the end.

In these last years, Joan continued to live in the house we all grew up in, surrounded by a

lifetime of memories. In what started as a situation of necessity and ultimately became a

bittersweet blessing, Sondy moved in with her in 2024, and as difficult as it was, became a default

caregiver as mom began to decline.

On August 14th of last year, she found mom slumped in her wheelchair and called 911. From

that night on, Mom did not return to her home. However, we were able to make her final days

comfortable and quite loving with the help of the kind folks at Bristol Hospice and Autumn Embers

Senior Living.

We would like to thank the wonderful, caring people at Bristol Hospice, especially her nurses

Karen, Jennifer, Jackie, Chaplain Gina and her awesome CNA, Meadow. Thanks also to her volunteer

reader, Madison, who made many visits until mom could no longer hear.

Thanks to all the wonderful people at Autumn Embers, including Kayla, Nicole, Taraya, Bryce,

Nancy, Kimber, Conner, Cameron, Scott, Daquari (sp) and others in the kitchen, and those we are

either forgetting (sorry), who worked behind the scenes or we may not have met since they were

there in the wee hours.

Our mom's favorite color was purple, and on the morning drive to the home after receiving the

call of her passing, the sky was ablaze with a beautiful pink-purple sunrise. It was a comforting sign

that she was at peace and forever home with her Savior in heaven.

We love you mom, we miss you terribly already and forever while we remain here on earth. But

you are whole now and free of the suffering of your failing body, even as your mind remained fully

sharp to the end. You are restored and in your eternal home. We imagined dad standing there with

his wry smile, waiting to embrace you and break into the jitterbug once again. And your son, our

brother, Scott, also restored, probably wearing a heavenly Packers cap of some sort. And so many

others, your brothers, your mom and many relatives who have preceded you. We here are now a

family of half, but with our own loved ones, and new generations emerging, including your third

great-grandchild, born just the day after your passing. What a blessing that is. So goodbye, mom,

but only for now. You were amazing. We love you.

In addition to we three who continue on -Sondy, Joe and Tony-is Sondy's son Zak and his

partner Kelsey, and their newborn Lyla, and her daughter Lindsey; Joe's wife Joan and their

children, Simon and Audrey; Tony's daughter Sophia, her husband Garrett, and sons Benedict and

newborn Theodore; and Scott's widow Angela and her son Brandon. Joan was preceded in death by

her parents and siblings, her husband Don and her eldest son, Scott.

A memorial gathering for family and friends will be held on Friday, March 27th at Lyndahl

Funeral Home. Visitation with light snacks will be at 4:30 pm with a service at 6:00 pm. We welcome

all prayers and messages of encouragement for the family.