Elmer "Emmer" Bergman, age 96, a longtime resident of Virginia, died Sunday, October 9, 2011 in Naples, Florida. He was born July 23, 1915 in Virginia, the son of Eric and Augusta (Carlson) Bergman. Elmer married Mary "Mitzi" Elias on September 1, 1937, and they raised two boys: William (Bill) and Bruce, in Virginia.
Elmer was a graduate of Virginia High school and Virginia Jr. College. He was employed by the Oliver Mining Company and later by U.S. Steel, where he retired in 1978 following 40 years of service. A true music lover, Elmer played trombone in a traveling swing band, the Virginia City Band and Orchestra as a young man and continued to play the harmonica throughout his adult life. An avid outdoorsman, Emmer enjoyed hunting and fishing, eventually building a cabin in Canada to act as a base camp for his pursuit of ducks, deer, and walleyes. He also helped found the original Virginia-Lenont Curling Club and remained active in the sport into his 90's. He was a long time member of the Virginia Elks club. He was one of the longest continuous members of Gethsemane Lutheran Church of Virginia. Most of all, Elmer enjoyed spending time with his beloved family.
Elmer is survived by his son Bruce (Fran) of Naples, Florida; his daughter-in-law Jeanette Bergman of Ft. Myers, FL; his brother Melvin (Madonna) of Duluth, MN; Brother-in-law George Elias of Seal Beach, CA; Sister-in-law Gayle Elias of St. Paul, MN, Five grandchildren: Douglas (Dori) Bergman of Omaha, Doreen (Kevin) Swanson of Shoreview, MN, Darrin (Marlys) Bergman of Shoreview, Rebecca (Michael) DeNight of Leawood, KS, and Bret (Amy) Bergman of Atlanta, GA. He is also survived by 12 great-grandchildren, 2 great-great granddaughters, and numerous nieces and nephews in the Virginia area and elsewhere.
He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife; his son William; and his brother Eric "Jeb" Bergman.
A memorial service will be held at 4:30 pm on November 12 at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church in Virginia, followed by a buffet dinner at the Virginia Elks Club.
Memorials are preferred and may be directed to Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church in Virginia.
Family services provided by Bauman-Cron, A Bauman Family Funeral Home in Virginia. To share condolences online, please see: www.baumanfuneralhome.com.



Born: July 23, 1915 Place of Birth: Virginia, Minnesota Death: October 9, 2011 Place of Death: Naples, Florida Hobbies: Music, Hunting, Fishing, Curling Organizations: Charter member of the Virginia Lenont Curling Club, Virginia Elks Club, Curl Mesabi, Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church, Virginia City Band, Spending time with family Memorial Service Friday November 4, 2011 , 4:30 p.m. at Gethsemane Evangelical Lutheran Church
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