Life Story / Obituary
William Marshall Berggren age 88, passed away peacefully Monday August 26, 2024. Bill was born in Evergreen Park Illinois in 1936; The son of Swedish Immigrants Thurston and Cecilia Berggren, (nee Pilon). Bill, his younger brother Paul and sister Judy were raised in Hinsdale Illinois. Bill was a graduate of Hinsdale High School. He was drafted in the mid- 1950s spending 3 years in the army. Received his Baccalaureate from DePaul University, and master’s in electrical engineering from the Milwaukee School of Engineering [MSOE]. Later Bill was awarded his MBA from Keller [where he was later appointed the director of the graduate school and taught in the business school]. Bill and his dedicated wife Paulette (1939-2023), met on the Elevated Train (AKA the “EL”) enroute to their classes in Chicago. Paulette and Bill married, and somehow landed in West Racine, (Wisconsin) where they raised six amazing children. Bill is survived by his brother Paul, Two loving daughters; Therese (Teri), and Katherine (Katie); as well as four charming sons: John, Paul, Mark, and Matthew.
Bill's early careers included: Radio Tech, Zenith Radio & TV Engineer, Western Publishing Production Manager, Computer Programmer, and Electronic Manufacturing Process Manager for Allen Bradley of Milwaukee.
Bill's Later Careers included University Instructor, MBA Professor, UW College Administrator, and alas an Independent Business Consultant.
Through his retirement Bill enjoyed reading, doing crosswords, and sending stories and nature musings complete with photos to a large group of friends while exploring the beauty of southeast Wisconsin. Bill excelled at identifying and classifying Wild-Flowers, Plants and Fungi. He enjoyed wandering local parks & forest preserves taking pictures along the Lake Michigan shoreline --followed by brunch with his photo-buddies.
Bill enjoyed sorting small useful objects along his desktop into recycled jam jars, while he patiently awaited replies from fellow “HAM” -Radio operators reaching people as far away as Brazil. Above all, Bill really really enjoyed Napping, and the brief interruption from visits by his many grandchildren.
Bill was a patient, curious, funny, and kind-hearted human being who will be dearly missed by all who’d really got to know him.