Dean Bergman

BRAIDWOOD—Dean Bergman, 73, of Braidwood, passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2023 at Ascension St. Joseph Medical Center in Joliet.
Born Aug. 4, 1949 in Morris, he was the son of the late Waldo Bergman and Lillian (nee Scaman) Burnik. Dean was raised and educated in Braidwood, graduating from Reed-Custer High School with the class of 1969. In his youth, he enjoyed motor cross, stock car racing, and cycling in marathons. He retired from Caterpillar, Inc. in 2000 after 30 years of employment. While working full time with Caterpillar he also owned and operated Bergman's Karate, Bergman's Bait shop and Firewood beginning from the early 1980's until 2004. Dean was a Master of Karate, most recently earning his 8th degree black belt. He taught Karate for over 50 years throughout many locations, including Braidwood, Wilmington, Channahon, and Minooka areas, even teaching a class at the Reed-Custer High School PE Department.
He was one of the earliest members of the Braidwood Recreational Club, lifetime member of the Sho-go-tae Academy, and was an avid donator to Unicef. Dean enjoyed hunting, fishing, and had a longtime hobby of flying and racing pigeons, but mostly making people smile. He always had a smile on his face and was the biggest people person one could meet. He always kept himself busy, whether it was working, teaching, or being just that social butterfly at the restaurants and bars.
Surviving are his wife of 16 years, Rebecca (nee Lair) Bergman, of Braidwood, who he married Oct. 31, 2006 in Townsend, TN; son, Joey Bergman, of Braceville; two step-sons, Jason Ohl, of Braceville and Matthew Ohl, of Braidwood; three grandchildren: Cameron, Angelina, and Annie Bergman; sister, Diane (Roger Ranieri) Bergman, of Phoenix, AZ; brother, Donald (JoAnne) McMillan, of Gardner; numerous nieces and nephews; two foster children, Ayden and Everett Lair and four legged companions, Nya and Logan.
Preceding him in death were his parents and beloved daughter, Angelina Marie Bergman (Braidwood's Olympian), who predeceased him August 17, 1993.
Visitation for Dean will be at the R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory, Braidwood, Saturday, March 25, 2023 from 12 p.m. until the time of funeral services at 6 p.m. Cremation rites will be accorded following services.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations to any lung association of the donor's choice would be appreciated.
For more information and to visit his online guestbook, please log on to www.rwpattersonfuneralhomes.com or find them on Facebook.
R.W. Patterson Funeral Home & Crematory, 401 E. Main St., Braidwood is entrusted with arrangements.