Galen Bergmann Obituary

Galen F. Bergmann, 80, of Medford, died Friday, July 11, 2025 at Comforts of Home Assisted Living in River Falls while under the care of Olive Grove Hospice.

He was born February 20, 1945 in the town of Goodrich to Ernest and Mildred (Janke) Bergmann. He graduated from Medford High School in 1963.

On December 12, 1964, Galen married Bonnie Paul in Dorchester. Galen and Bonnie met at the Stetsonville firemen's picnic dance. They got engaged on October 12, 1963 and were married December 12, 1964. They were married for 54 years and each time anyone asked Galen how long he was married, he would reply with the number of years and then add, "She is the best thing that ever happened to me".

Galen was an unmistakable presence around town in his trademark cowboy hat and boots, especially behind the wheel of his big red GMC pickup truck with the decal on the front reading, "Cowboy's Cadillac". He lived the cowboy values of loyalty, hard work and dedication to friends and family, especially to his beloved wife Bonnie and his children Brenda and Brian. He always worked hard to take care of his family. In his early days he worked as a foreman at Weyerhaeuser in Marshfield and later as the proprietor of the Why Go By bar and restaurant in Goodrich, Wisconsin. Anyone coming in to the Why Go By could be guaranteed a good steak, a cold beer, and lots of joking with friends around the bar. Galen's 22 years of owning the Why Go By with Bonnie were among the most cherished memories of his life.

As any good cowboy, he loved to have fun and enjoyed life to the fullest. When he and Bonnie were first dating, they would go to various dance halls in the area with their friends to dance and drink 10 cent beers. Many of those who joined them became life-long friends. He and Bonnie loved to travel. They enjoyed regular trips to Branson, Missouri, where they enjoyed country acts, a favorite being Mickey Gilly. They also loved to pull their camper and explore the country, especially the western states. Brenda and Brian enjoyed traveling with them and exploring the beautiful national parks in the US and Canada. There are many memories of countless camping trips almost every weekend in the summer, frequenting Lake Arbutus near Neillsville and Fort Flambeau on the Turtle Flambeau Flowage. Everyone in the family had their job to do, and after work they would pack up the camper and be camping and cooking dinner within hours. It was from these experiences that a love for the outdoors and travel adventure was instilled in Brenda and Brian, a passion that carries on today to their children and grandchildren. Galen also enjoyed pitching horseshoes and throwing darts over the years with his friends, riding his cherished horses, and fishing trips especially to the Turtle Flambeau Flowage to chase the elusive walleye, losing many jigs in the process!

So next time you see a cowboy hat in the crowd, or you belly up to your favorite local watering hole for a cold one, or hear the notes of a classic country song, take a moment and raise a toast to Galen, our cowboy in the sky.

He is survived by his children, Brenda (Guy) McLennan of Medford, Brian (Ann) Bergmann of Lindstrom, MN; brother, Randy Bergmann of New Jersey; sister-in-law, Marlene Bergmann of Goodrich; grandchildren, Nicole (Kyle) Gebert, Courtney Henrichs, Parker Henrichs all of Medford, Lauren (Joey) Linders of Roseville, MN, and Alex Bergmann of Maple Grove, MN; great-grandchildren, Matthew, Easton and Citori Gebert, Levi Linders and Faye McLennan.

He was preceded in death by his parents; his wife, Bonnie on February 1, 2019; brothers, Larry and Rodney Bergmann; and sister, Deanna (Arnold) Handel.

A funeral service will be held at 11 a.m., Saturday, July 19, 2025 at Hemer-Pickerign Funeral Home in Medford with Pastor Barb Krug, SAM officiating.

Visitation will be from 9 a.m. until the time of service at 11 a.m., Saturday at the funeral home.

Burial will be at Stetsonville Public Cemetery in Stetsonville. Lunch will follow at the Centennial Hall in Stetsonville.

In the cowboy spirit of celebrating Galen's life, you are encouraged to wear jeans, cowboy hats, boots or other western wear. We'll do some story sharing at lunch, so bring some good ones to tell!

Memorials may go to the Taylor County Humane Association or to the Medford VFW Building Fund.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Galen F. Bergmann, please visit our floral store.