Elaine V. Bergheim

Celebration of Life service for Elaine V. Bergheim will be 10:30 AM Monday, January 29, 2024 at Oldham Lutheran Church with Vicar Brad Sanderson officiating.

Elaine Bergheim died on Wednesday, January 24, 2024 at Bethel Nursing Home in Madison, SD.

Elaine was born at home in September 18,1927, in Davis, SD to Margaret (Dierks) and John McGarvie. She was the oldest of four, growing up alongside her brothers. She started her education in country school, later attending high school in Centerville and Oldham, ultimately graduating from Lake Preston High School in 1945.

Elaine earned her teaching certificate from General Beadle Teachers College in Madison and worked as a teacher before marrying Roger Sapp. They had four children together and divorced in 1960. Elaine then married Norman Bergheim and raised her family in Oldham, SD. Throughout her life, Elaine provided for her family in many ways, including a farm wife, a mail carrier, and even an oil truck driver after Norman had a stroke. She was a member of Oldham Lutheran Church and Oldham Legion Auxiliary.

She moved to Madison, SD in 2013 and lived in Prairie View Apartments, moving to Heritage/Peaceful Pines in 2020 and the last two weeks living at Bethel Nursing Home.

Elaine enjoyed sewing, cooking, gardening, fishing and camping. She enjoyed being taken out to eat by her kids, bouquets of flowers, feeding the birds, and reading. She especially enjoyed her visits with her family, friends and her daughter Cheryl, who visited nearly every day.

Elaine often called “Grandma B” by her grandchildren and great-grandchildren always found the good in others. She discouraged gossiping and was a positive and optimistic woman. She was full of humor and made her family laugh with her catchy sayings and stories. We will continue to share stories about her for the rest of our lives. Our Mom’s greatest gift was the love and selflessness she gave to her family.

She is survived by her daughters: Karen Spurgin, Hammond, WI; Joanne (Dan) Hasche, Lake Preston, SD; Cheryl (Mike) Duffy, Madison, SD; Daughter-in-law: Judy Sapp, Clear Lake, SD; Grandchildren: Richard Sapp, James (Christine) Spurgin, Angela Hasche, Robert (Maranda) Hasche, Ryan (Elizabeth) Duffy, and 14 Great-grandchildren, as well as her brother Ron McGarvie, sister-in-law Virginia McGarvie, and 6 dear nieces.

She was preceded in death by her parents and brothers, Merle and Gerald. Her greatest losses were the deaths of her husband Norman, and her son Robert Sapp, her son-in-law Don Spurgin, her grandson Allan Duffy and great-grandsons Dustin Sapp and Logan Steffensen.

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