Jean M. Bergquist

Jean Marie Bergquist, 89, of Lake Tomahawk, Wisconsin passed away peacefully June 29, 2026, at Waterford Senior Living in Park Falls, Wisconsin. She was born to Melvin and Marie Lein, April 7,1937 in Woodstock Illinois. As a young girl, her family moved to Duluth, Minnesota where Jean attended Clover Valley High School and there she met her true love, Leslie J. Bergquist whom she married August 29, 1953. They lived in Minnesota for a few years, eventually moving to northern Illinois. Jean worked at Crane Packing in Crystal Lake, Illinois as an inspector for several years while raising her children. She went on to be employed as a Rural Letter Carrier at the Crystal Lake Post Office. Starting out as a substitute letter carrier she was known for her lighting speed mail sorting, accurate delivery and stepping up to help deliver more than one route in a day. As a regular carrier, her hard work was always recognized by her customers. After retiring, Jean and Les built a home on Two Sisters Lake in northern Wisconsin. They both found happiness in cruising the lake on their pontoon boat, kayaking and fishing. Jean adored the deer that would frequent their yard, the singing birds, the evening call of the loons on the lake, and an occasional bear. Jean also enjoyed winter activities with family and friends such as, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, snowmobiling and spectating at a variety of sled dog races with her daughter. When the northern Wisconsin winters became a bit much, Jean and Les traveled to various R.V. Parks from Arizona to southern Texas throughout the winter. Her favorite activities while at the parks were, square dancing, attending concerts, meeting up with fellow snowbirds for coffee, dining out, riding bikes and soaking up the sunshine. Jean had a competitive side. She competed in multiple running races. From 5k's to half-marathons and against doctors orders, she completed a full marathon in a respectable time even though her hip was fractured. Jean's musical talents were not wasted as she mastered the accordion as a teen, along with the ukulele and organ. She was an avid seamstress, often making clothes for her family, she also enjoyed crocheting and needlepoint. Jean and Les traveled throughout the United States towing their fifth-wheel trailer, including multiple trips to Alaska and Canada. Jean would often say, they were “roughing it smoothly”. Jean will be remembered for the memories she created with all that knew and loved her. Jean was preceded in death by her husband of 71 years, Leslie J. Bergquist Sr., and her parents. Jean is survived by her sons, Leslie Jr. (Debra) Bergquist, Lawrence (Darlene) Bergquist, Lloyd (Traci) Bergquist and daughter Judy (Richard) Besler, her brother Melvin (Debbie) Lein, sister Barb (Glenn) Klasen, sister-in-law Marie (Paul) Glaesemann, 6 grandchildren, 8 great-grandchildren, many nieces, nephews, extended family and her lifelong best friend, Marilyn Flatley. Jean cared deeply for her past and present pets, especially her English Springer Spaniel, Zachary “Zak” Taylor who survives her. A Celebration of Life will be held Saturday, August 1, 2026 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m. at Bolger Funeral Home, Woodruff Wisconsin. Burial will take place at a later date in Duluth, Minnesota. The family wishes to express their sincere gratitude to the entire staff at Waterford Senior Living in Park Falls, Wisconsin for their loving care and support and to Compassus Hospice Care for their compassionate and loving care.

Jean M. Bergquist

April 7, 1937 - June 29, 2026