William "Bill" Berglin

Obituary of William Berglin
William "Bill" Berglin, 90, of Kettle River, MN passed away unexpectedly at home on Feb. 26, 2025. Bill was born on Dec. 19, 1934, in Duluth, MN to Vernon and Margaret Berglin. He met his wife, Kathy, and they were married on June 27, 1970. Bill and Kathy raised two children in Kettle River, a son, Jaye, and a daughter, Kristi.
Bill attended Moose Lake High School and played hockey and baseball. Graduating in 1952 at age 17, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy, serving aboard the U.S.S. Magoffin during the Korean War, and completing three tours. His tours included Korea, Hong Kong, and Japan, with his home port being San Diego. Over the years, Bill and Kathy attended and enjoyed many reunions around the country with Magoffin shipmates.
After his time in the Navy, Bill returned to Minnesota and attended the University of Minnesota-Duluth. He graduated in 1959 with a degree in Business and Economics. He went to work for the State of Minnesota as an auditor, traveling around the state. He was asked to return to Kettle River and was offered a position as an accountant at the Carlton County Cooperative Power Association. From accountant, Bill advanced to become office manager, a position he held until his retirement in 1997.
Bill was active in his community. He served as clerk for the City of Kettle River, was a city council member for about 20 years, and was also the mayor of Kettle River. Bill served on the Board of Directors for Mercy Hospital and Health Care Center in Moose Lake for about 20 years and served on the board for the Moose Lake Federal Credit Union. He was also a charter member of Kettle River American Legion Post 360, member of the Carlton V.F.W. Post 2962, and member of the Fraternal Order of Eagles Aerie 1163 in Cloquet.
Bill had many hobbies and interests. He and Kathy enjoyed traveling, especially to national parks, with a favorite being Glacier in Montana. Fishing trips to the Boundary Waters with brother-in-law, Frank Paulson, nephew, Jerry Paulson, and son-in-law, Tim MacMillan, were treasured events. He spent many happy summer afternoons taking Prairie Lake pontoon rides with Jaye and daughter-in-law, Cindy. He enjoyed trips with Kristi and Tim and their family and looked forward to going to the state fair with them each year. He also loved time spent with them at his hunting shack. Getting together with friends for Finn dinners was another favorite activity.
Bill loved sports and followed all the Minnesota teams. He especially enjoyed following University of Minnesota Duluth Bulldog Hockey, going to local Rebel baseball games, and going to grandchildren's games. He played golf weekly until recent years and stayed active by walking and gardening. He enjoyed reading, watching the news, and staying up on current events.
Bill is survived by his son, Jaye (Cindy) Frets, of Pine City; daughter Kristi (Tim) MacMillan, of North Branch; grandson, Dillon (Jessica) Frets, of Xenia, OH; grandson, Christian MacMillan, of North Branch; granddaughter, Katherine MacMillan, of Minneapolis; brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Marlene Berglin, of San Diego, CA; and nieces, nephews, and friends.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Vernon and Margaret Berglin, his wife, Kathy, brother and sister-in-law, Vern and Jean Berglin, of Bodfish, CA; brother Tom Berglin, of Kettle River; brother-in-law and sister-in-law, Frank and Pat Paulson, of Barnum; and nephew, Mark Paulson, of Duluth.
Bill will be greatly missed by all who knew him. Services will be held at a later date. Final resting place will be at the Minnesota State Veterans Cemetery-Duluth.