Obituary: Carole Margaret Bergerson

As received from the Jacobson Funeral Home:

Carole Margaret Bergerson, age 77 of L’Anse passed away peacefully on Monday, May 1st after a period of declining health and complications of a stroke.  She was surrounded by her family this past week and they made sure she knew how loved she was.

Carole was born on July 28th, 1945 to the late Eino and Frances (Kellis) Hietikko in Sault Ste Marie, Michigan. She graduated from Sault High School in 1963 and then moved to Clawson, MI with her family.  While living in lower Michigan she met and married her first husband, James Olsen and they moved to L’Anse in 1970.  Before she was the most amazing mother, she was a phone operator at Bell Telephone.

In 1993, she married James Bergerson who was the love of her life and a wonderful and devoted partner.  They would have been married 30 years this summer.  Their relationship was so giving to each other while they both went through many health crises. They were always there for each other and just enjoyed quietly living a life of dedication to each other and their family.  They both loved to fish on Lake Superior, play cards and host family for meals, and always seemed to have a grandchild over to visit.  

Carole was the type of mother who devoted her entire life to her family.  She had the most amazing ability to care for and nurture her children and grandchildren.  Anyone who knew her would rave about the awesome meals and desserts she was known to make.  You never left her house hungry.  She never missed an event for her children and was always so involved and present with her grandchildren.  Any time someone would call her, her first words were bragging about her grandkids.  And they also loved her fiercely.

Carole is survived by her loving husband James “Jim” Bergerson of L’Anse, children  Steven Olsen (Heather) of Honolulu, HI, Kristen Olsen Thoresen (Jason) of Victoria, MN , Jeffrey Olsen (Kristen) of East Helena, MT, stepchildren James “Mark” Bergerson (Vicki), Kevin Bergerson,  Lisa DeCaire, Tammy Magaraggia (Pete) and grandchildren Steven “Tyler” Thoresen, Elyse “CeCe” Thoresen, Holden Hamblin, Christian Olsen, Luke Olsen, Allison Olsen, Carter Olsen, James Bergerson, Brier Bergerson, Karisa Vu, Jessica Bergerson, Joel DeCaire,  Jonathon “Jonny” Magaraggia, Emily Magaraggia, Joseph Magaraggia, Dean Magaraggia and 9 great grandchildren, brother Richard Hietikko of Simpsonville, SC, numerous nieces and nephews and her loving dog, Odie.  She was preceded in death by her parents, her grandson, Dylan, and her sister Eileen.

A family celebration of Carole’s life will be held at a later date. Burial will be in the Baraga Cemetery. Jacobson Funeral Home is assisting the family.

Friends may sign Carole’s guest book or send condolences at www.jacobsonfuneralhome.