Leanne Charlene Bergstrom

Leanne Charlene Bergstrom

June 07, 1940 - November 29, 2025

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Obituary

MADISON - Leanne Charlene Bergstrom, born in Warren, Minn., graduated from Fergus Falls High School, Fergus Falls, Minn., and attended college at Asbury University in Wilmore, Ky. Leanne travelled to Sweden post college to get involved in missionary work for her church. After returning home she worked for Billy Graham Ministries, she then served in the Congressional office of U.S. Congresswoman Gwen Moore, and eventually landed in the Wisconsin Department of Health and Human Services where she worked for 20 years taking calls from Wisconsin residents who were in trouble, connecting them with needed resources. Deeply committed to this work, Leanne did not retire until the age of 82.  

 

Once retired, Leanne refused to slow down, she earned her white belt in Taekwondo (the little kids especially enjoyed being her partner in the classes), she was taking harp lessons, and she spent her time supporting and welcoming international students at the University of Wisconsin. She remained active and involved and even aspired to return to Sweden again one day as a missionary.  


Leanne never married or partnered, she had no children of her own, but she left behind a tremendous community of students, missionaries, friends and neighbors who loved her like she was family. Because she was.  


Leanne is survived by her brother, Ken Bergstrom, and his wife, Nancy; nieces, Mary (Robert Winter) Wright, Sara Wright (partner, Barbara Peterson), Corinne (Barry) LaGrave, Mark (Cheryl) Iversen and Karen (Douglas) Woodbury; and numerous grand-nieces and nephews and their children. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hilmer and Dororthy (nee Blake) Bergstrom; and sisters, Orlena Iversen and Myrt Wright; and her nephew, James Iversen.


A memorial service will be held on Friday, January 9, 2026, at BLACKHAWK CHURCH, 9620 Brader Way, Middleton, Wis., at 11 a.m. Visitation will be from 10 a.m. until the time of the service, and a reception will follow the service.


Memorials may be made to Blackhawk Church (www.blackhawk.church/give/). The link also appears below. Online condolences may be made at www.gundersonfh.com.

 

Gunderson East

Funeral & Cremation Care

5203 Monona Drive

(608) 221-5420

Events

09
Visitation
Fri Jan 9, 2026 @ 10:00 AM - 11:00 AM CDT
Blackhawk Church • 9620 Brader Way, Middleton, WI 53562
Get Directions
09
Memorial Service
Fri Jan 9, 2026 @ 11:00 AM CDT
Blackhawk Church • 9620 Brader Way, Middleton, WI 53562
Get Directions

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A Memorial Tree was planted for Leanne Charlene Bergstrom
Other •
We are deeply sorry for your loss ~ Gunderson Funeral Home - Madison
MI
Mark Iversen
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Leanne was always interested in what I was doing wherever I was in the world. I am incredibly grateful for that. Thank you Leanne. Mark Iversen
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Corinne Iversen LaGrave
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There are so many memories of times spent with Leanne. In High School I was Anne Frank in the play The Diary of Anne Frank. Leanne brought me dozen roses. Nearly every Thanksgiving & Christmas [since Orlena moved to the Twin Cities] Leanne came to stay for a few days. She helped make lefse & hardtak & other food items. We aways went to ASI & some other museums. She tried to attend concerts of my sons [Tyler & Josh]. She always asked what & how they were doing. She came to stay at a hotel to be near the University of Minnesota Hospital whenever m brother [James] had heart surgery. The last time she had me stay w/her. James was so very grateful to her for coming. So many memories. Too many to list here. She was always thoughtful & caring. Thank-you Leanne for all your thoughtfulness & caring. Corinne Iversen LaGrave
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Andrea
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I had the privilege of meeting Leanne through a mutual friend. She was one of my strongest supporters and a constant source of encouragement. When I met her, I was working toward moving to South Asia and she was so excited to meet me and hear my story. Through the years, she has sent me regular emails telling me that she is praying for me. She called me Woman of Steel because that was what she heard God say about me. I am so sad to learn that she is gone.
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Gayle Reed
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I loved praying with this extraordinary and lovely woman. Gayle Reed
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Brittany Michalski
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Leanne supported me as a missionary for many years and I am so sad that I didn't hear this news in time to attend the memorial. She was an inspiration and encouragement to me, and I'm so glad that I've been able to see her in person in such meaningful ways the last couple of years.

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