Richard A. “Peaches” Bergeon, age 81, of 1502 Minnesota Avenue in Gladstone went to be with his beloved wife and children on Wednesday, August 27, 2008 at 5:40 PM following a lengthy battle with cancer. He passed peacefully at home surrounded by his loving family.

Richard was born January 30, 1927 in Gladstone to Arthur and Jenny (Trudeau) Bergeon. He was a longtime member of All Saints Catholic Church and belonged to the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71. Richard served his country proudly in the United States Army during World War II. After returning from the war Richard married the love of his life, Joanne Norton on August 2, 1949 at All Saints Catholic Church. Richard and Joanne spent the rest of the lives in Gladstone raising their family at 1502 Minnesota Avenue. Richard was a devoted husband and father. Richard worked at Harnischfeger for many years until he retired in 1983. Following his retirement Richard and Joanne would spend their winters in Florida and summers in Gladstone. He loved to work in his garden and yard and took great pride in the appearance of his home. He also loved having coffee with the guys at the Dew Drop Inn and 4J’s. Spending time with his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in his later years brought a lot of joy to his life.

Our father was our mentor, our hero and our friend. Not enough words could be written to describe our love for him and the deep loss we will feel. He wanted everyone to know that he lived a happy, loving and fulfilling life and when it was his time to leave he wanted all of us to be happy for him. He was going exactly were he wanted, to be with his “Sweetheart” and Savior.

Richard is survived by:

1 Son: Rick Bergeon of DePere, WI

2 Daughters: Carrie Sullivan of Tampa, FL; Cynthia (Jeff Gold) Bergeon of Gladstone, MI

20 Grandchildren, 7 Great Grandchildren

Numerous nieces and nephews

Richard was preceded in death by:

His wife, Joanne on December 19, 1995; his daughters, Connie Bergeon and Candace Dahlgren, and two infant children; his parents; a brother, Joseph and sister, Margaret.

Richard’s family will receive friends on Monday, September 1 from 12:00 PM to 3:30 PM at the Skradski Funeral Home in Gladstone. Mass of Christian Burial will follow at 4:00 PM at All Saints Catholic Church with Rev. Fr. Arnold Grambow officiating. A luncheon will be served immediately following services in the church fellowship hall. Richard will be laid to rest next to his wife, Joanne, at the Fernwood Cemetery in Gladstone. Military Honors presented by the Gladstone American Legion August Mattson Post 71 and committal services are scheduled for 6:30 PM on Monday at the cemetery. Memorial contributions in Richard’s name may be directed to the Delta County Cancer Alliance.