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Hospice care advocate Bergeson dies

By Tom Vogel
January 9, 2007

Robert Bergeson '49, a hospital chaplain who was instrumental in introducing hospice care to Minnesota, died Dec. 31 at age 81. Bergeson, who earned his B.A. in chemistry from St. Olaf, went on to graduate from Luther Seminary in St. Paul. He worked as a Lutheran Social Service hospital chaplain for 27 years at St. Paul's Bethesda Hospital, as well as at what is today Regions Hospital.

Bergeson's daughter, Beth Behrens '76, who continues in her father's path as director for HealthEast Hospice Care, told the Star Tribune that Bergeson "was always available and approachable and he worked respectfully with all religions," and that he "was always seeking out who he considered to be the most suffering."

Contact David Gonnerman at 507-786-3315 or gonnermd@stolaf.edu.