William Eugene Bergman

William (Bill) Eugene Bergman, 71, of Grandview, MO, passed away peacefully at his home August 18, 2021, with his loving family at his bedside. He was diagnosed with Glioblastoma, a type of brain cancer, in January 2020 and fought a courageous battle for 19 months. Born May 13, 1950, Bill was the oldest of 12 children born to Mark and Virginia Bergman. He attended St. Joseph Grade School and High School in Shawnee, KS, then went on to graduate from Rockhurst College, Kansas City, MO. He and his wife, Karen, were married in February 1973 and raised their three children in Grandview, MO.

Bill was an incredible man with a larger-than-life personality who spent the majority of his adult life giving to his family and serving the community. He coached countless kids in baseball, basketball, soccer, and volleyball. He was a past president of the local baseball association, active in his local parish men’s club, served on the parish counsel and as a cantor. After their children were grown, Bill renewed his interest in theater, and appeared in over 45 local community theater productions, both musicals and plays. Bill was always the first to volunteer, looking to take care of others and to make those who crossed his path leave with a smile. “Mr. Bill” was a favorite of the neighborhood kids because he showed a genuine interest in what they were doing. As a great role model, mentor, and friend to countless individuals, he will truly be missed.

Bill was preceded in death by his parents, Mark and Virginia Bergman, brother Robert Bergman, sisters Barbara Bergman and Laura Todd, and sister-in-law Anita Bergman. He is survived by Karen, his loving wife of 48 ½ years; sons Shawn (Jacqui) Bergman, Boone, NC, and Randy (Meghan) Bergman, Hickory, NC; daughter Kaylie Baker, Belton, MO, and “Papa Bill’s” grandchildren: Brecklyn, Colton, Cooper, and Cash; siblings: Kathleen Reynolds, Joanne Bergman (Bob), Steve Bergman, Mary Ellen Kriegh (Kelly), Diane Strange (David), Mark Bergman, Greg Bergman (Carrie), Jeanette Walther (Charles); and numerous nieces and nephews.

The family would like to thank the doctors, nurses, and staff at Research Medical Center, Sarah Cannon Cancer Center, Specialized Home Care, and Crossroads Hospice for the care Bill received during these past months.

Visitation/Celebration of Life will take place on August 30th from 4:00-7:00 p.m. at Holy Spirit Catholic Church, 1800 SW State Route 150, Lee’s Summit, MO. Mass of Christian Burial will be at 10:00 a.m. on August 31st at the Church, followed by inurnment at Mt. Olivet Cemetery, Kansas, City, MO. Due to the ongoing COVID pandemic, masks will be required at both the visitation and service regardless of vaccination status. If you cannot attend the service on August 31st, it will be live-streamed via Holy Spirit’s YouTube channel. You may send your condolences via the funeral home website.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that memorial contributions for Bill be made to “Acting Out Against Cancer”, the nonprofit organization started by his daughter as a tribute to our ‘super hero’. For more information, please visit the website www.actingoutagainstcancer.org. AOAC mailing address is: P.O. Box 851, Belton, MO 64012.