Paul E. Bergren, 81, Minot, died Monday, April 15, 2024 in a Minot hospital.
Paul was born December 29, 1942 in Bersford, SD, the son of Glenn and Geraldine (Bruhler) Bergren. He was raised and educated in Sioux Falls and graduated from Sioux Falls High School. He entered into active-duty service with the U.S. Air Force on September 22, 1961 and was stationed at the Minot Air Force Base. It was here that he met his future wife, Darlene Ofsthun. They were united in marriage on January 17, 1964.
Paul was honorably discharged on September 21, 1965 and the couple lived in South Dakota, where he went to trade school. They returned to Minot, where he was self-employed as a Farrier, caring for numerous horses throughout North Dakota. He had also worked as a brand inspector for Minot Livestock and at the State Fairgrounds and Minot Zoo. Paul made his first dog sled in 1978 and from there they built their dog sled business. They were widely respected for their craftsmanship across the globe, including several champions of the grueling Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race in Alaska.
Paul had a love for woodworking and was known for making dogsleds and other furniture. He received the National Endowment of the Arts (NEA) National Heritage Fellowship in 2012. Paul enjoyed the outdoors and could often be found hunting or fishing. He especially enjoyed taking his grandchildren fishing or spending time with them.
Paul was a longtime member of Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church. His faith was very important to him.
Paul’s loving family includes, his children: Terry (Lois) Bergren, Minot, Sue Ann (Raymond) Van Sickle, Surrey, Wendy Marie Hatrick, West Grove, PA, Wade (Wanda) Bergren, Ashley, ND and Toni (Christopher) Farrell, Bismarck; daughter in law, Laura Bergren, Minot; grandchildren to include: Edward (Rae Lynn) Van Sickle, Marcus Van Sickle, Tiffany (Dylan Kolstad) Van Sickle, Stephanie (AJ) Fischer, Dustin (Alexis Harper) Brown, Dillan Brown, Chalee (Billie) Hager, Sean Bergren, Weston Schreiner, Catherine Farrell and Elliott Farrell; great grandchildren: Aydin Fischer, Skylar Fischer, Amira Fischer, Colton (Layla Harper) Brown, Luna & Emmett Kolstad, Paul Farrell, Lyanna VanSickle and Jamie, Thomas and Paddie Hager; siblings: David Bergren of Sacramento, CA, Jean Bergren, St. Simons Island, GA, Mary Catharine Ridgeway of Sacramento, CA and Carol Bergren of Sioux Falls, SD; several nieces, nephews and cousins.
Paul was preceded in death by his wife of 53 years, Darlene in 2017, parents and grandchildren, Paul, Lyanna & Weston.
Mass of Christian Burial: Tuesday, April 23, 2024 at 11:00 a.m. in Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, Minot.
Visitation: Monday, April 22nd from 5:00-7:00 p.m. in Thomas Family Funeral Home, Minot.
Vigil Prayer Service: Monday at 7:15 p.m. in the funeral home.
Interment: Rosehill Memorial Park, Minot.
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