Roland August Bergthold

He was born August 8, 1936, in South Gate, California, the second son of Art and Mary (Eymann) Bergthold. He grew up in Reedley in his mother’s childhood home along with his brother, Arthur E. Bergthold. Roland’s love of nature was nurtured by many hours spent in Christian camping at Sequoia Lake and at the family cabin at Cedarbrook. Initially planning on majoring in PE at UC Santa Barbara, he changed his mind after taking Botany. Later, he continued post-graduate work at Fresno State, Oregon State University (where he earned his Master’s in general science and botany) and UC Davis. Roland’s first teaching job was at Reedley High where he met Eleanor Moore at a banquet for new teachers. They were married in Visalia in 1961. Children Sheri and David were born while they lived in Reedley. In 1965, the family moved to Roseville when Roland accepted a position at Sierra College. Their third child, Kevin, was born in 1968. Many summers were spent traveling in the US and internationally, always with a camera at the ready. Roland was teased often for lying on his belly to get a close up shot of some flower that would later appear in his well-thought out and engaging lectures. After retiring, Roland and Eleanor moved to Fresno and co-authored a book about Cedarbrook which is treasured not only for the history of the cabins, but for telling the story of how the Bergtholds and Eymanns, along with other Mennonite families, journeyed together across a span of over 300 years before settling together in the Reedley area. Roland was blessed to find love twice. After losing his beloved Eleanor in 2012, he married Rebecca Bartsch in November, 2013 at University Presbyterian Church where they are members. Becky has been a tremendous blessing to our family as we navigated the waters of Alzheimer’s.

Roland will be dearly missed and always remembered for his devotion to his faith and family, his kind and gentle nature, and his love of ice cream and cookies.

He is survived by his wife Becky, children Sheri Dones and her husband Ken Dones, their children Kayla, Zach, Austin, and Emma; Dave and his wife Laurie and their son Jett; Kevin, his daughter Zahra, and his wife Michelle, as well as two great grandchildren, Mira and Mo (Kayla’s children).

On November 12, 2021, the family will have a small ceremony at the Reedley Cemetery Pavilion. Friends & family are invited to a Celebration of Life service at 2:30 P.M., at the University Presbyterian Church, 1776 E. Roberts Ave. Fresno, CA 93710.

Memorial gifts may be sent to University Presbyterian Church Worship & Arts Program at upcfresno.org/give or to the church office or [email protected]/donate.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.stephensandbean.com for the BERGTHOLD family.