Richard Bergland passed away peacefully on April 19, ^, 2021 surrounded by his family at the BeeHive Homes in Maple Grove, MN at the age of 87 years, 9 months and 19 days. The memory and many lessons from Richard will be forever missed.

A Private Graveside Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, April 24, 2021 at Greenwood Cemetery in Thief River Falls, MN, with Rev. John Wollenzien officiating.

A public visitation will be held from 5:00 PM until 7:00 PM with a 7:00 PM Prayer Service on Friday, April 23, 2021 at Johnson Funeral Service in Thief River Falls, MN.

Richard Daniel Bergland was born July 12, 1933 in Thief River Falls, Minnesota to Olaf and Martha (Swenson) Bergland.  He was united in marriage to Gail (Hruby) Bergland in 1956 in Thief River Falls, Minnesota.

Richard worked for two years for the Soo Line Railroad before beginning a 36-year career with the Minnesota Department of Transportation. He received a degree from the Dunwoody Institute as well as many certifications in the field of engineering. He both designed and built many roads and bridges in Northwestern Minnesota.  Richard was the lead designer and engineering inspector on both the 3rd and 8 ^th Street bridges which are still the most vital bridges in the city of Thief River Falls today.  Upon his retirement from MNDOT in 1993, Richard became an engineering consultant with Floan and Sanders in Grand Forks, ND.

For the greater part of his life he was an avid hunter and fisherman, and when he finally retired for good, he spent most of his time puttering around on his hunting land near Grygla, designing different small projects, and watching Prowler and Norskie hockey. He was exceptionally proud of the many achievements of his children and grandchildren. He was a member of Trinity Lutheran Church where he served as an usher every December, the Fraternal Order of the Eagles, and the Minnesota Deerhunters Association.

Richard is survived by a daughter, Dr. Jodi Bergland Holen (Loren), Ian Holen, Alec (Michaela) Holen, Dr. Barrett Holen, Scott Bergland, Megan Bergland, Todd Bergland (Heidi), Riley Bergland, Sarah Bergland, Tim Bergland, Isak Bergland, Emily Bergland, Grace Bergland and many family friends.  A special thank you goes out to his grandson Dr. Barrett Holen for the excellent medical care as well as the wonderful staff at the Beehive Homes of Maple Grove.

He was preceded in death by his parents, wife Gail Bergland , daughter-in-law Kim Bergland, and Sister Donna Jorde.