ARNOLD H. BERGSTRASSER

Arnold H. Bergstrasser passed away peacefully on Sunday February 26, 2006, two days short of his 91st birthday, at the Hospice House North in Cape Coral, Florida.

Born February 28, 1915, he was the eldest of three sons of Grover and Caroline Stifel Bergstrasser. His brothers, Aaron and Brenton Sr., preceded him in death.

Arnie was a natural athlete, spending his younger years playing basketball, football, and baseball. His love of sports carried over into bowling which he did for many years. He bowled in team competition,participating in many tournaments. In 1967, Arnie was named "Bowler of the Year" by the Quincy City Bowling Associationof which he was a past president. He was also an avid golfer and a member of SpringLake Country Club for almost 47 years, where he continued to play into his 80's.His athletic spirit of persistence, determination and strength was evident in all
aspects of his life.

Arnie was a 1933 graduate of Quincy High School. Due to the Depression, he attended an additional year of school. In 1935, he began working for the Electric Wheel Company, working his way up to the manager of the foundry, his position at retirement.He was a well respected manager, who had a natural way with people, and he was fascinated by the alchemy involved in foundry metals. Previously, he had worked in engineering, personnel, inspection, and the machine shop. He was instrumental in the planning and construction of the new foundry. In 1978, 3 years before retirement, Arnie was honored as having worked more years at Electric Wheel than any other current employee. He retired in 1981, after 46 years.

On July 30, 1944, Arnie married Marian W. Nelson, who survives him. They were happily married for over 61 years and had three children. The oldest son, David, died in 2001. Surviving are their son Dennis and wife Pamela of Cape Coral, Florida, and daughter Linda Fuller and husband William of Portland, Oregan. He is also survived by seven grandchildren, Carrie Wheeler of Nashville, Tennessee, Curtis Bergstrasser and wife April of Wylie, Texas, Alder Fuller, McKenzie Fuller, and William Austin Fuller of Portland, Oregan, Denise Cunningham and James Cunningham of Cape Coral, Florida; six greatgrandchildren; and several nieces and nephews. There was never
any doubt as to Arnie's love, affection, and concern for his family.

From the time he was a young boy, Arnie was a member of the Lutheran Church. First belonging to Lutheran Memorial Church and later becoming a charter member of Christ Lutheran Church. He was active in his church, serving on boards, committies, and acting as church treasurer for many years. Arnie was active in several community organizations including the Herman Masonic Lodge No 39, Quincy Consistory, Ainad Shrine Temple of East St. Louis, the Quincy Shrine Club, and the Elks Lodge. Along with his wife, Marian, he participated in volunteer work, hosting weekly recreation activities for residents of Sunset Home and delivering Meals on Wheels for over
20 years.

Arnie and Marian enjoyed traveling throughout the United States and Europe. Although they relished their travels, when the trip was over, they were just as happy to return home to Quincy. Arnie always referred to himself as a "Quincy Boy" and had a deep connection to the history of the area. Over his lifetime he witnessed many changes and enjoyed sharing stories of what he had seen. He lived his entire life in Quincy except for the past seven months when he and Marian moved to Cape Coral to be near their son. Arnie will be returning home for interment at Quincy Memorial Park Mausoleum.

Funeral services will be held Friday morning at 10:30 in Christ Lutheran Church by the Rev. Paul Schwartzkopf.

Visitation will be Thursday evening from 4:00 to 7:00 Zehender Robinson Stormer Cookson Funeral Home and Friday morning from 9:30 until the time of services at the church.

Memorials may be made to Hope Hospice of Ft. Myers, Fl.