Perch Base
Karl Bergstrom Eternal Patrol
OBITUARY
Karl G. Bergstrom, AWC(SS)(AW) (ret)
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Perch Base Life Member and Holland Club Member Karl G. Bergstrom, AWC(SS)(AW) (ret) departed on Eternal Patrol on August 5, 2019.
Our condolences to his wife, Susan, and the rest of the family.
Karl enlisted in 1952 and was assigned to his first boat, the USS Segundo (SS-398) from June 1953 to March 1954.
Karl then rode the USS Bashaw (SSK-241) in 1954 and the USS Catfish (SS-339) which was his assignment in November 1954 when he
Qualified in Submarines. After qualification, Karl was assigned to the USS Tilefish (SS-307).
Karl left active duty and continued to serve in the US Naval Reserve until 1985, achieving the rank of Chief Petty Officer
as an Aviation Warfare Systems Operator in anti-submarine operations. Karl retired from the Navy in 1985.
Services were not announced.
Karl's other boats:
SAILOR, REST YOUR OAR! YOUR WATCH HAS ENDED.
Your Brothers of the 'Phin Have the Watch.
Fair Winds and Following Seas, Shipmate.
Additional details from the Thompson Funeral Chapel notice:
Karl G. Bergstrom, of Goodyear, AZ, died August 5, 2019. He was born March 23, 1934, in Boise, ID. Karl served in the
US Navy from 1952 to 1954 on submarines and continued to serve in the US Naval Reserve until 1985, achieving the rank
of Chief Petty Officer.
Tall, confident, and courageous, Karl was quite a presence. He worked for 23 years as a detective in the Seattle Police
Department and in the King County Sheriff’s Office for an additional 11 years. He met his wife Susan in 1985.
Karl loved the ocean, boating, and sailing. After retirement, Karl took a job as the first American security officer
hired by Holland America Cruise Lines. Though he traveled to exotic ports of call, being the patriotic guy he was, he
most enjoyed coming home to the United States.
Karl loved to read while sitting on the deck in the sun and the fresh ocean air. He was an avid reader, who enjoyed
playing cards, working out, and a good game of golf.
Karl is survived by his wife, Susan Bergstrom; daughter, Lisa Bergstrom; sons, Michael Bergstrom, and Timothy Bergstrom;
brothers, Paul Bergstrom, John (Karen) Bergstrom; four grandchildren and two great-grandchildren, all of WA State; brothers
and sisters-in-law: Tom and Sheila Snyder, Goodyear, AZ; Tim and Danette Rector, Tom and Jeanine Moore, Burt and Peggy Geiger
all of Montana, and numerous nieces and nephews.
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