Kenneth Bergstedt

Reverend Kenneth Edwin Bergstedt of McKinney, Texas went home to be with his Lord on Tuesday, July 9, 2024 at the age of 80.
Pastor Ken, as he was most often known, was born on September 24, 1943 in Hammond, Indiana to Edwin and Gladys Bergstedt. He grew up in a household of five boys, played the trumpet and tennis in high school, and soon after discovered his calling to become a pastor. He earned his undergrad and divinity degree from Trinity College and Seminary where he met his first wife, Elizabeth Lepic. They married on June 17, 1967.
Together, they raised five active children, litters of golden retrievers, and traveled all across the country with a pop-up camper fondly referred to as their "Port-a-Parsonage". Ken was a master of packing things tightly and always secured seven bicycles to ensure that the whole family could go on "togetherness" bike rides at every campground destination. He spent many hours sitting on bleachers listening to his children sing in concerts, and cheering them on in their sporting endeavors. He loved singing old hymns and watching his Cubs win.
Ken pastored and served Evangelical Free churches with his wife, Elizabeth in Elgin, Texas; Mount Morris, Illinois; Pittsville, Wisconsin; Taylorville, Illinois; and Rockford, Illinois. After Beth's sudden death in 2001, he met and married Shirlayne Messer in 2003. Ken accepted the position of associate pastor at Hope Evangelical Free Church in Roscoe, Illinois before retiring and moving to California and then most recently to Texas.
Ken was drawn to people everywhere he went and loved to hear their stories. It was his greatest joy to hear how God was working in their lives. In his assisted living center, he enjoyed getting to know both the residents and the workers there, reminding them of how much God loved them. He pastored faithfully to the very end of his life.
Ken is survived by his wife, Shirlayne (Sherie) Bergstedt of McKinney, Texas, and his children: Theresa (Rick) Drulard of Bend, Oregon; Laura (Bryan) Holmes of Washington, Illinois; Mark (Heather) Bergstedt of Heath, Texas; Steve Bergstedt of Forney, Texas; and Tim (Heidi) Bergstedt of Waterford, Wisconsin, along with stepsons Jeffery (Amy) Messer, Jonathan (Pedro) Messer, and Ben Messer. His surviving grandchildren are Matthew (Ruth Ann), Chris, Andrew; Lily, Claire; Jackson (Grace), McCallister, Jameson; Isaiah; Brooke, Natalie, Ashley; Sean, Ethan, Austin; Ezekiel, Bruce, and Desiree. Ken is survived by his brothers, Merrill (Connie), Charlie, and Richard (Montie), sister-in-law Beverly, cousin Kathy Luzar, and brother-in-law David, along with many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and -nephews.
Ken was preceded in death by his parents, his wife, Elizabeth, and his brother Alan.
Visitation and funeral service will be held at Frisco Bible Church, 8000 Sanctuary Drive, Frisco, Texas on Wednesday, August 21st at 11:00 am. Pastor Jeremy Mikeska will officiate.
A second service will be held at Hope Evangelical Free Church in 5656 Elevator Road, Roscoe, Illinois on Friday, October 11, 2024, with a 10:00 am visitation, 11:00 am service and light luncheon to follow. The family will have a private burial.
The family asks that memorial donations and flowers be sent to the Frisco Bible Church.