John Alvin Bergmann

Born in Chicago, Illinois, on July 6, 1920, he was the son of Rose (Nelson) Bergmann Hultberg and John Charles Bergmann; and God-son of Lillian (Bergmann) and Alvin John Appel. He graduated from South Hills High School and the University of Pittsburgh, majoring in accounting and mathematics. In 1941, he was recruited by President Roosevelt’s staff to serve in the army as a German and Japanese code breaker. John traveled the world and worked as a liaison between the American code-breakers and Bletchley Park. After his honorable discharge in 1945, he created a home in Pittsburgh with his wife, Lois, and their twin daughters and started his career in the coal mining industry. The family relocated to Columbus, Ohio where his third daughter was born and found their lifelong home in Upper Arlington.

Retiring early from South-East Coal Sales Company in 1983, he spent the next 15 years of his life by his wife’s side taking care of her during her battle with Parkinson’s disease. He dedicated every moment to Lois and kept her home surrounded by family until her passing in 1998. After her passing, John joined the Upper Arlington Senior Center where he met other Veterans and became the chair of the Veteran’s Discussion Group for 15 years. He served on the senior advisory council and participated in the Tremont school Lunch Buddies program. Every day he would have lunch at the senior center; welcoming new members and helping them get adjusted. His lunch table known as the Bergmann Round Table exists to this day. John’s passion in life was traveling across the Columbus area visiting middle and high schools sharing his experiences as a World War II code breaker and mentoring the future generations.

In 2019, he earned the Ford Oval of Honor for outstanding military service and served as a Grand Marshal in the Columbus 4th of July parade. After representing the military as a WWII vet for decades in the Upper Arlington parade, he was named Grand Marshal in 2022. With a theme of Stars, Stripes and Trailblazers, it was an honorable way to celebrate his 102nd birthday. In his life, John was also a H.S. cheerleader, Eagle Scout, Scoutmaster, 2-year president of the band parent boosters, member of the Disabled American Veterans, Life member of The American Legion Post #442, Parkinson’s Society advocate, Honorable Kentucky Colonel, Upper Arlington Senior Citizen Award winner, past member of the Athletic Club, 65 year member of the F. & A. M. lodge #684, Shriner of Aladdin Shriners of Ohio 1963-1996, founding member of Bower Hill Community Church, Pittsburgh Pa., Deacon Covenant Presbyterian Church, Upper Arlington, Ohio, member of Full Gospel Businessmen, Life Member Upper Arlington Civic Association since 1979, Life Member Motts Military Museum and Honor Flight Columbus, Ohio Mission #12-2008.. John was more than a military hero, husband, father, grandfather and great-grandfather. He was a friend to all. He loved to meet new people, learn about them and share stories. His kindness and interest in others was always on display.

John was preceded in death by the love of his life and wife of 55 years, Lois Elizabeth (Klein) Bergmann. He is survived by his three daughters; Candace (Dr. James) Finn of Powell, Ohio, Sandra (Jack) Stoller of Upper Arlington, Ohio, and Kimberly (Dr. James) Elkovitch of Auburn, New York. Grandchildren J.J. (Lisa) Finn of Powell, Ohio, Kerrie (Ian) Donahue of Barrington, Rhode Island. Dr. Jeffrey (Dawn) Finn of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Tricia (Dave) Kershner of Upper Arlington, Ohio, and Jason Finn of Powell, Ohio. Forever cherished and remembered by his nine great-grandchildren, Jonathan (Haley) and Beth Finn, Megan and Brian Donahue; Jeffrey, Brennan and Aislinn Finn, Molly and Kate Kershner; as well as numerous nieces, nephews, cousins and dear friends. His memory will be cherished by all that knew him.

All are welcome to join the Bergmann family for a Memorial Service with United States Army Military Honors on Saturday, November 4th at 2:00 pm at SCHOEDINGER NORTHWEST, 1740 Zollinger Road, Upper Arlington, Ohio with Pastor Chris Martin officiating. Immediately following the service, a Celebration of Life Reception will be held until 5:00 pm to share stories of John’s remarkable and wonderful life. A live stream link is provided if you are unable to attend.

John's ashes will be interned with his wife’s in the Jefferson Memorial Cemetery Mausoleum in Pittsburgh, Pa. after his memorial service. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Motts Military Museum, Inc., South Hamilton Road, Groveport, OH 43125.

Please visit www.schoedinger.com to share memories and condolences.