Brian David Bergenske
November 23, 1954 - June 28, 2021
Obituary
MADISON - Brian D. “Madtown Berge” Bergenske passed away at Agrace HospiceCare on Monday, June 28, 2021, after a brave several month battle with liver cancer. Brian was born Nov. 23, 1954, at St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, the son of Otto and Virginia (Thurber) Bergenske.
Brian lived on Madison's east side his entire life. He attended St. Dennis Catholic School and graduated from La Follette High School in 1973. Brian attended UW La Crosse and then attended Milwaukee Area Technical College and graduated in the shoe repair program. Brian ran the family shoe repair business, Otto's Shoe Service, until it closed. One of Brian's proudest business achievements was being elected president of the East Side Businessmen's Association in 2002.
Brian enjoyed traveling especially his trips to Las Vegas, away Badgers games and riding his Harley to Sturgis, S.D. He was especially proud of his travels to Australia and New Zealand with the Friendship Force. More recently he traveled to Alaska by rail and air to visit his close friend Bruce Hanson in Fairbanks.
Brian enjoyed all sports, especially UW Badgers men's hockey. He was a former Badgers football and hockey season ticket holder. From the mid-1970's into the 1990's you would find Brian at Olbrich softball complex on Tuesday and Thursday evenings watching the Madison Fast Pitch Major Softball League. Otto's Shoe Service was one of the merchant sponsors of the Madison Merchants in the major league.
Brian was preceded in death by his mother; father; and infant brother, Christopher. He is survived by his brother, Mike (Debbie) and their children, Brian (Michelle) Gallagher and their children, Abby and Declan, Patrick (Amber) Gallagher and their daughters, Emeline and Jovi and Mary (Lindsy) Bergenske-Anderson. Brian is also survived by his other brother, Greg (Yvonne) and their son, Nick (Carolyn).
As per Brian's wishes there will no formal services. He was very thankful to his primary physician Dr. Christine Siebert who took care of Brian for several years. If you wish to make a donation in Brian's memory, please donate to Agrace HospiceCare in Fitchburg. The staff provided love and care for Brian's needs to keep him comfortable until he passed. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.
Gunderson East
Funeral & Cremation Care
5203 Monona Drive
(608) 221-5420
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JN
James Northrup
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Sad to hear about 'Mad-Town' , Brian Bergenske. Condolences to Tank and the rest of the family. R.I.P. Brian.
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SloJon, Jon Stauffer
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I was fortunate to meet "Bergie". I also attended UW LaCrosse where I was introduced to the LaFollette group. Dorm life captured and brought a diverse and exuberant cast together. Although we scattered across this grand land, we occasionally touched. Informal reunions were good spirited FUN. Brian did travel. One year He ventured down to visit my Gal, Deb, and me in Florida. Motorcycle enthusiasts also, we didn't have an extra Motocyco for His use but did have an old MG Midget. Off the three of us went to Daytona Beach. Cruising the Beach and stopping into a few local establishments. Tourist time. FUN. Late in the day we were returning back westward home when suddenly the Blue Lights were flashing upon us. The Daytona Beach Policeman said Brian could NOT sit on the rear deck of the car and had to sit inside. Interesting, as Bergie had been sitting on the back from our home inland over 20 miles away and everywhere we traveled in the area all day. We reconfigured ourselves with Brian in passenger seat and Deb jammed behind us in the area where the convertible top would have been located. Car never had a top from procurement. Laughter and continued festivities ensued for the visit. Traveling through this time, I wish I could recall more of the wonderful, exciting, and even mundane events encountered with Bergie. My brain fades. As I said to Bergie the last time we visited, " I'll see you somewhere, later, My Friend" Forward. SloJon
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Meg Griffin
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Aw Bergie, you'll be missed. I will always have great memories of hanging out with you at ESBMA. Love you.
JD
Jane DeRosia
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Bergie was a good man and friend. He would do whatever he could to help out personally and during the many events held at the East Side Club (Eastside Businessmen's Club). I have attached a picture taken a few years ago of everyone having PHUN with Bergie in Vegas cheering on Bucky. We will miss you friend. . till we meet again.
JD
Jane DeRosia
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Shared a photo.
JM
Jon Mork
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Rest In Peace Berge. You will be missed by so many east siders