Ray “Buzz” Bergfeld

Ray “Buzz” Bergfeld, of Saint Charles, Missouri, died Monday, November 22, 2021 at the age of 85.  Loving husband of 47 years to Mary Alice Bergfeld; beloved son of the late Thelma and Martin Bergfeld; devoted father of Ramona Murphy, Robert R. (MaryBeth) Bergfeld, Robyn (Randy) LaMotte, and the late William P. Bergfeld; stepfather of Leone “Le” (Paul) Moore, Beverly Sandberg, and Deann (Terry) Johnson; cherished grandfather of Melissa (Jeremy) Bremberger, Jacob (Tiffani) Murphy, Lindsay (Kyle) Doty, Robert Jason (Jaime) Bergfeld, Jami (Jon) Stark, Joshua (Pamela) Bergfeld, Samantha Bergfeld, Danielle (Caleb Unser) Bergfeld, Brittany (Kenny) Jackson, Shannon Bergfeld, Michael LaMotte, Abigail LaMotte, Kathryn LaMotte, Matthew LaMotte, Stephen LaMotte, Zachary LaMotte, and Gabriel LaMotte; dear step-grandfather of Kristie Ashe-Kenny, Thomas (Jenni) Moore, Patrick Moore, Rachel (Patrick O'Brien) Sandberg, Claire Sandberg, and Tess Johnson; treasured great-grandfather of 17 and great-great grandfather of one; dearest brother of Gay (the late Jay) Hankins and Bobbi Bergfeld.  

 Ray loved teaching and learning, especially valuable life lessons. He taught at Wedgewood Elementary in the Ferguson/Florissant School District, and he retired after 30 years of dedicated service to his students.  He was an adventurous teacher and made learning fun. Throughout the years Ray introduced the students to many experiences, including bees in the classroom, ducks hatched in incubators, and building an igloo to sleep in. When he and his wife traveled to Nova Scotia by motorcycle, they met a teacher, and Ray created pen pals for his students to converse with through letters. 

As a man of faith, Ray was a member of First United Methodist Church, where he attended Sunday School for many years. He was a member of the Masonic Lodge and president of DeMolay. He was also part of the Road Scholars. Ray was a graduate of Ritenour High School, and he was a 4-time Missouri State Champion Wrestler. He refereed both high school and college levels, and he was in the Wrestling Hall of Fame.  

 Ray was truly a family man, and always looked forward to family gatherings, especially the Bergfeld Bunch. He was an amazing cook and made the best breakfast, although he particularly loved burnt food for himself. He was excellent with the barbecue grill and made the best ribs this side of Kansas! Ray was very thoughtful, caring, and protective of his family, and he was a great caretaker who took care of several family members.  

 As an outdoorsman, Ray loved hunting and fishing. He enjoyed riding his motorcycle and traveled to all 50 States and Canada with his wife.  Ray was a fantastic storyteller, and he would keep you mesmerized with tales of his travel and adventures.  

 Ray was dearly loved and will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Memorial contributions may be made in Ray’s name to St. Charles Community College Scholarship Program.  

 Baue Funeral Homes is currently following CDC recommendations regarding mask and social distancing policies.