Oscar I Bergstrom

Oscar I. Bergstrom, 97, of The Winds at Mattern Orchard, Duncansville, died on Friday at The Winds. He was born in Lynn, MA, son of the late Carl H. and Maria (Strandell) Bergstrom. He married Polly Nelmes, who preceded him in death. Mr. Bergstrom is survived by two daughters, Polly E. Barnes, and her husband Wayne C., of Laurel, MD, Katharine S. Burdick and her husband Jack A. of Bath, NY; a son, Joel C Bergstrom and his wife LuAnne S., of York; seven grandchildren; 10 great grandchildren; and a son-in-law Jon C. Yon, of Altoona. He was preceded in death by a daughter, Janet C. Yon. Mr. Bergstrom was a member of Wehnwood United Methodist Church and the Elm Lodge, of Springfield, MA. He graduated from Lynn English High School, Lynn, MA, and from Springfield College, Springfield, MA, with a B.S. in Social Sciences, Psychology and History in 1938. Mr. Bergstrom worked for the YMCA for 43 years in many states and cities rising to Executive Director. He started at the YMCA in Gloucester, MA in 1938, finished with Hornell, NY, in 1960 and Altoona, PA in1968 until his retirement in 1976. Following retirement, he taught philosophy and psychology at Tyrone High School for 12 years. Oscar loved education, travel, reading, and, most of all, his family. Friends will be received 10-11 AM Saturday, October 22, 2011, at Wehnwood United Methodist Church where a Funeral Service will be held at 11 AM with Rev. Evelyn Madison officiating. Interment will be at Grandview Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions would be appreciated to the ALS Foundation, 27001 Agoura Rd, Suite 250, Calabasas, CA, 91301-9817, Springfield College, 263 Alden Street, Springfield, MA, 01109-9987, the Janet C. Yon Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o AAHS-Kathy Pastore, 1415 6th Ave., Altoona, PA 16602, or Wehnwood United Methodist Church.