Richard Byrd Bergdahl, passed away on Wednesday, February 18, 2026. He was born March 18, 1931, to Eric and Esther Bergdahl in Anderson, IN. He married Margaret Jane Wilson in Warren, OH in 1953. Richard graduated from Anderson High School in 1949. He attended Anderson College 1949-1950, Purdue University 1950-1953 and again 1955-1958 graduating withContinue Reading
Kent Shocknek
left a message on March 5, 2026:
Long, but I hope worthwhile.
Fall, '68; 11-year-old me moved to WL from California, three weeks late into the Jr. High school year. Didn't study. At the end of the first 6-week period, Mr. Bergdahl gave me a "D." Great shame to my family. Still didn't study. So my mother called Mr. B; he suggested I attend his Thursday after-school prep sessions for his Friday quizzes. I did. Got better marks. At the end of the next 6-week period, I did the math: I pulled a "B-." But Mr. Bergdahl gave me an "A." An "A!" He shouldn't have: I didn't deserve it. But his faith instilled in me a new work ethic.
The outcome: within the year, I was a straight "A" student, **from 7th grade, until the day I graduated Phi Beta Kappa from college.** And those grades got me my first job. His inspiration did nothing less than set me on the path to success my entire life.
I'm sorry I waited 30 years to find, call & thank him. But I'm glad I did. We talked for an hour. At the end, I had to ask: "Might you remember me?" "Were you a slightly..." "Fat kid with a bad complexion and stringy hair?" "Well, I was going to say it another way...."
Mr. Bergdahl, I proudly & often credit you for nearly every success in my life. And I know I speak for thousands of others who have similar stories. On behalf of all of us, thank you.
Jasmyn
left a message on February 26, 2026:
In memory of Richard Byrd Bergdahl, Jasmyn lit a candle
Jasmyn
left a message on February 26, 2026:
Mr. Bergdahl was such a guiding light and brought such a sense of calm to all of us that took care of him. I will never forget him always singing. He loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. He always listened and always had the right things to say. I ended up getting a job elsewhere when I graduated but visited him a few months ago. He never forgot to say how proud he was and how much he cared about all the people that took care of him. This world has lost a true light but I take comfort in knowing he is in heaven with his beautiful wife he talked so much about.
Madison Nagel
left a message on February 23, 2026:
Rest in peace, Mr. Bergdahl! I will forever remember the wisdom he told me when caring for him, "my wife always said you can be angry, mean or sad about a situation. But why do that when you can just be happy and kind". He was a wonderful soul and kind man!
Lafayette Urban Ministry
left a message on February 19, 2026:
The Board and Staff of Lafayette Urban Ministry wish to extend our sincerest condolences to Richard's daughter, granddaughter, grandson, brother-in-law, great-grandson, and extended family and friends. May God hold all of you in the palm of His hand.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Barbara Amos
left a message on February 19, 2026:
Have many memories of John & I serving communion to him & Margaret. We had such good discussions on scripture, their travels, and their early days as a couple. We loved visiting him after the passing of Margaret. He always had a huge smile for you. Will miss seeing him.
Cherelle Cottrell
left a message on February 19, 2026:
I have so many great memories with this man. I cared for him for 7months and I can truly say he was the best part of working there! I grew closer to him and truly looked at him like family. I worked overnights with him and anybody I worked with knows I did not play about Mr.Bergdahl! Lol. I truly loved him. He use to call me “braids” because I use to wear faux locs and that was the way he was able to remember me at first. He use to say “I need to be careful with my hands before Infer tangled in those braids.” Lol! He was truly funny and he made my nights so much better and truly worth it! And I truly know I had a strong connection with him just off of the conversations we had. I know he trusted me in every way when it came to caring for him. I even started buying him stuff just to make him more comfortable and feel better. There wasn’t nothing I wouldn’t do for him to make sure he was ok and he knew that! To the family I am truly sorry for you lose. He was definitely a beautiful person with a beautiful spirit.
Kalyn Davis
left a message on February 19, 2026:
He was the sweetest resident I have ever had a privilege of taking care of as a CNA. It didn’t matter how much pain he was in, he was always the light in any room just trying to make others smile. A true angel.
Elsie Kerr
left a message on February 19, 2026:
My condolences to the family. I taught with Richard in the West Lafayette Community Schools in the 1960s. He was an excellent teacher and his family was so very great people.His work in science was outstanding and he was a great asset to the West
Lafayette Schools.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.
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Kent Shocknek
left a message on March 5, 2026:
Long, but I hope worthwhile.
Fall, '68; 11-year-old me moved to WL from California, three weeks late into the Jr. High school year. Didn't study. At the end of the first 6-week period, Mr. Bergdahl gave me a "D." Great shame to my family. Still didn't study. So my mother called Mr. B; he suggested I attend his Thursday after-school prep sessions for his Friday quizzes. I did. Got better marks. At the end of the next 6-week period, I did the math: I pulled a "B-." But Mr. Bergdahl gave me an "A." An "A!" He shouldn't have: I didn't deserve it. But his faith instilled in me a new work ethic.
The outcome: within the year, I was a straight "A" student, **from 7th grade, until the day I graduated Phi Beta Kappa from college.** And those grades got me my first job. His inspiration did nothing less than set me on the path to success my entire life.
I'm sorry I waited 30 years to find, call & thank him. But I'm glad I did. We talked for an hour. At the end, I had to ask: "Might you remember me?" "Were you a slightly..." "Fat kid with a bad complexion and stringy hair?" "Well, I was going to say it another way...."
Mr. Bergdahl, I proudly & often credit you for nearly every success in my life. And I know I speak for thousands of others who have similar stories. On behalf of all of us, thank you.
Jasmyn
left a message on February 26, 2026:
In memory of Richard Byrd Bergdahl, Jasmyn lit a candle
Jasmyn
left a message on February 26, 2026:
Mr. Bergdahl was such a guiding light and brought such a sense of calm to all of us that took care of him. I will never forget him always singing. He loved to sing and had a beautiful voice. He always listened and always had the right things to say. I ended up getting a job elsewhere when I graduated but visited him a few months ago. He never forgot to say how proud he was and how much he cared about all the people that took care of him. This world has lost a true light but I take comfort in knowing he is in heaven with his beautiful wife he talked so much about.
Madison Nagel
left a message on February 23, 2026:
Rest in peace, Mr. Bergdahl! I will forever remember the wisdom he told me when caring for him, "my wife always said you can be angry, mean or sad about a situation. But why do that when you can just be happy and kind". He was a wonderful soul and kind man!
Lafayette Urban Ministry
left a message on February 19, 2026:
The Board and Staff of Lafayette Urban Ministry wish to extend our sincerest condolences to Richard's daughter, granddaughter, grandson, brother-in-law, great-grandson, and extended family and friends. May God hold all of you in the palm of His hand.
Peace of mind is a call away. We’re here when you need us most.
Barbara Amos
left a message on February 19, 2026:
Have many memories of John & I serving communion to him & Margaret. We had such good discussions on scripture, their travels, and their early days as a couple. We loved visiting him after the passing of Margaret. He always had a huge smile for you. Will miss seeing him.
Cherelle Cottrell
left a message on February 19, 2026:
I have so many great memories with this man. I cared for him for 7months and I can truly say he was the best part of working there! I grew closer to him and truly looked at him like family. I worked overnights with him and anybody I worked with knows I did not play about Mr.Bergdahl! Lol. I truly loved him. He use to call me “braids” because I use to wear faux locs and that was the way he was able to remember me at first. He use to say “I need to be careful with my hands before Infer tangled in those braids.” Lol! He was truly funny and he made my nights so much better and truly worth it! And I truly know I had a strong connection with him just off of the conversations we had. I know he trusted me in every way when it came to caring for him. I even started buying him stuff just to make him more comfortable and feel better. There wasn’t nothing I wouldn’t do for him to make sure he was ok and he knew that! To the family I am truly sorry for you lose. He was definitely a beautiful person with a beautiful spirit.
Kalyn Davis
left a message on February 19, 2026:
He was the sweetest resident I have ever had a privilege of taking care of as a CNA. It didn’t matter how much pain he was in, he was always the light in any room just trying to make others smile. A true angel.
Elsie Kerr
left a message on February 19, 2026:
My condolences to the family. I taught with Richard in the West Lafayette Community Schools in the 1960s. He was an excellent teacher and his family was so very great people.His work in science was outstanding and he was a great asset to the West
Lafayette Schools.
left a message:
Please accept our deepest condolences for your family's loss.